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Rabat – Real Madrid visit Lisbon tonight to face Benfica in the Champions League knockout play‑off first leg.
It’s the two teams’ second meeting this season. The first was dramatic. Benfica won 4-2 in the group stage after goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a 98th‑minute header. This sent Benfica through and denied Madrid direct qualification.
Real Madrid arrives stronger now, under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa. They’ve won three straight games and look more controlled. Still, the tie remains open, especially with the first leg away from home.
𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 ⚔️🔥
Three weeks after a dramatic victory and Trubin’s heroics, Benfica host Real Madrid again 🦅🏟️
Will Mourinho hurt his former love once again? 💔👻 Or will Mbappé & co take revenge? 😤⚡️
It’s time for the knockout-stage play-offs 🍿 pic.twitter.com/EbCH7k719g
— 433 (@433) February 17, 2026
Match Details
Fixture: Benfica vs Real Madrid
Competition: UEFA Champions League (Knockout play-off – 1st leg)
Venue: Estádio da Luz (Tuesday)
Kick-off: 8.pm GMT / 21:00 CET (tonight)
How to watch: beIN SPORTS / beIN CONNECT (MENA); Paramount+ / DAZN (USA); Amazon Prime Video (UK)
Real Madrid Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Madrid still has fitness issues, but the big news is that Mbappe is fit enough to play after missing the last La Liga game against Real Sociedad.
Returns/Doubts: Coach Alvaro Arbeloa says the team needs a “complete game” after the last loss in Lisbon, with strong midfield control and focus on set pieces.
Recent Form: Madrid have improved since the January defeat to Benfica, winning three straight under Arbeloa.
Key Players: Mbappe is the headline. He has 13 Champions League goals this season and is chasing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 17. He needs four more to match it.
Likely XI : Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler, Vinícius; Mbappé.
Benfica Team News
Recent Form / Situation: Benfica already showed they can hurt Madrid, turning a chaotic group‑stage finale into a win that became one of the stories of the tournament. That belief matters in a two‑leg tie.
Key Players: Pavlidis remains their main threat. He is the team’s top goal scorer this season with 29 goals, while their attack is built on quick transitions and sharp finishing when chances come.
Likely XI : Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Dahl; Aursnes, Barreiro; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
What to Expect
Real Madrid will try to slow the game and avoid the chaos that hurt them last time. Benfica, backed by the home crowd, are expected to stay compact and hit quickly on the break if Madrid push too far forward.
Coach Jose Mourinho has warned his players not to relax, saying Madrid are “dangerous” when wounded. This first leg looks tight, with small details likely to decide it.
Safe Bets
Both Teams to Score – Yes: both sides have attacking quality, and Madrid will push for an away goal.
Over 2.5 Goals: the last meeting finished 4-2, and this matchup can open up fast.
Mbappé to Score: he’s the focal point and chasing history in this competition.
Prediction: Benfica 1-2 Real Madrid.
