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Rabat – Real Madrid host Benfica tonight at the Bernabeu in the Champions League playoff round of 32. The winner will move on to the last 16.
Madrid arrived with a narrow lead after Vinicius Junior’s brilliant goal gave them a 1-0 win in the first leg.
Benfica face problems off the pitch. Winger Gianluca Prestianni is suspended following allegations of racial abuse, while coach Jose Mourinho is also absent after being sent off in the first match.
Both sides will be looking to strike early in this knockout tie, knowing that one mistake could decide the outcome.
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐃 𝐕𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀: 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝟑 🍿 pic.twitter.com/FD5CPTN0TZ
— 433 (@433) February 24, 2026
Match Details:
- Fixture: Benfica vs Real Madrid
- Competition: UEFA Champions League (Knockout Playoff Round of 32, 2nd leg)
- Venue: Bernabeu, Madrid
- Kick-off: 8 p.m., Wednesday
- How to watch: beIN Sports 1 (MENA); Paramount+ / TelevisaUnivision (USA); TNT Sports (UK)
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid face several absences ahead of the match. Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Éder Militão (hamstring) and Dani Ceballos (calf) are all ruled out.
Rodrygo is suspended after his red card, while Dean Huijsen remains doubtful with a calf issue.
The biggest blow is Kylian Mbappé, who will miss the game after struggling with knee discomfort throughout the season.
On the positive side, coach Alvaro Arbeloa can call on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raúl Asencio, both back from suspension.
In midfield, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouameni are expected to start and control play. Up front, Vinícius Júnior will lead the attack.
Real Madrid hold the best defensive record in La Liga this season, allowing only 21 goals in 25 matches. Their back line will aim to shut down Benfica’s attack.
Likely XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Alba, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni, Güler; Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Kylian Mbappé is 𝗢𝗨𝗧 for the match against Benfica, reports @lequipe ❌😨
The Frenchman had to interrupt his training session today with knee problems 🤕
Get well soon, Kylian 🍀 pic.twitter.com/0PenqBQgGX
— 433 (@433) February 24, 2026
Benfica Team News
Benfica are close to full strength. Coach Jose Mourinho and winger Gianluca Prestianni are suspended, but most of the squad is available. Richard Ríos (shoulder) and Dodi Lukébakio (ankle) have recovered from minor injuries and are set to start on the wings.
Up front, Vangelis Pavlidis leads the attack. The Greek striker has been in outstanding form, scoring 28 goals across all competitions this season.
Likely XI: Trubin; Dedić, T. Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Ríos, Aursnes; Lukébakio, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
What to Expect
Real Madrid to Win: Madrid remain favorites with their aggregate lead and overall quality. Even with injuries, one goal could secure their position.
Both Teams to Score – Yes: Both sides have strong attacks. Madrid’s defense has been solid but not perfect, while Benfica have scored in each of their last five matches.
Over 2.5 Goals: With attacking talent on both sides, this tie should produce multiple goals.
Vinícius Jr. to Score or Assist: The Brazilian winger was decisive in Lisbon and often delivers in big games. He remains Madrid’s main threat on the counter.
Safe Bets
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica
