Benfica Vs Real Madrid: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| Time | 1:30 AM IST (Feb 18) |
| Venue | Estádio da Luz, Lisbon |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League Playoffs (1st Leg) |
🏟️ Revenge in Lisbon: Real Madrid Returns to the Scene of the Nightmare
Real Madrid returns to the Estádio da Luz tonight for a high-stakes Champions League playoff first leg against a Benfica side that recently derailed their European campaign. Less than three weeks ago, Los Blancos suffered a humbling 4–2 defeat at this very venue, a result that stripped them of an automatic Round of 16 berth and forced them into this high-pressure knockout playoff. Under the guidance of Álvaro Arbeloa, Madrid is desperate to settle the score and secure an away advantage before the return leg at the Bernabéu.
Benfica, led by former Madrid boss José Mourinho, enters the clash emboldened by that recent victory and an impressive five-game unbeaten run. Despite finishing the league phase in 24th place, the Eagles have shown they possess the tactical discipline to exploit Madrid’s defensive transitions. With Mourinho describing his former club as "wounded," the atmosphere in Lisbon is expected to be electric as two European giants battle to keep their seasons alive.
- Event: UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Playoff (1st Leg)
- Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM GMT (1:30 AM IST, Feb 18)
- Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
- Context: Real Madrid seeks redemption after a 4-2 loss to Benfica in January cost them automatic qualification.
📊 Team Analysis & Form
Benfica (Coach: José Mourinho, Form: W W D W W)
Benfica has been a rejuvenated force since Mourinho took charge in September, remaining unbeaten in domestic play. Their strategy relies on a compact 4-2-3-1 defensive block designed to funnel attacks wide and trigger rapid central counters. Fresh off a 2-1 away victory against Santa Clara, the Eagles are full of confidence and possess a proven blueprint for hurting this Real Madrid side.
Real Madrid (Coach: Álvaro Arbeloa, Form: W W W L W)
Real Madrid arrives in Lisbon on a three-game winning streak, most recently thrashing Real Sociedad 4–1 to move to the top of La Liga. Arbeloa has managed to stabilize the team since replacing Xabi Alonso in January, but defensive inconsistencies—particularly during transitions—remain a concern. Madrid will look to their elite verticality to break down Benfica's compact structure.
⭐ Key Players
- Benfica: Vangelis Pavlidis (Forward) - The Greek striker is in prolific form with 28 goals across all competitions this season and is just one goal shy of double figures in the Champions League.
- Benfica: Andreas Schjelderup (Winger) - A direct-running outlet who scored twice in the previous 4-2 victory over Madrid.
- Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé (Forward) - The competition's top scorer with 13 goals in 7 outings, Mbappé remains the focal point of the attack despite minor knee concerns.
- Real Madrid: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Defender) - Following a "sensational" display against Sociedad, the right-back's passing range is expected to be vital for Madrid's control.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Mourinho vs. Arbeloa: The tactical duel between the veteran master and his former player will be crucial, especially regarding Madrid's high-line vulnerability.
- Verticality vs. Compactness: Madrid ranks first for turning turnovers into shots, but they must find ways through a Benfica block that successfully stifled them in January.
- Squad Absences: Madrid is significantly shorthanded, missing the suspended Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio, as well as the injured Jude Bellingham and Éder Militão.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
While Benfica’s home advantage and recent 4-2 win provide a strong psychological edge, Real Madrid’s superior overall form and the return of key players like Rüdiger suggest a much closer contest. Benfica's defensive vulnerabilities mean they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet against the tournament's top scorer, but their own attacking potency—led by Pavlidis—should see them find the net. Expect a tight affair with both teams leaving everything on the pitch.
Predicted Score: Benfica 1–1 Real Madrid
Can Los Blancos avenge their January defeat, or will Mourinho's Eagles soar once again in Lisbon? Kick-off is at 1:30 AM IST!
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