The Champions League stage is set for a historic rematch as Real Madrid travels to Lisbon to face Benfica in the first leg of the 2025-26 Knockout Phase Play-offs
Just weeks ago, these two sides produced a classic in the league phase where Benfica stunned the 15-time champions 4-2, thanks to a 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Now, José Mourinho faces his former club once again with a place in the Round of 16 on the line.
Match Preview
Real Madrid enters this clash seeking redemption. Since the “Night of Lisbon” in January, Álvaro Arbeloa’s men have steadied the ship with three consecutive La Liga wins, including a 4-1 demolition of Real Sociedad. However, they are a “wounded king,” arriving without several pillar players.
Benfica, energized by Mourinho’s tactical masterclass in their last meeting, are unbeaten in their last five matches. While they struggled for consistency in the league phase (finishing 24th), their ability to exploit Madrid’s defensive transitions was the blueprint for their recent success. With the Estádio da Luz behind them, the Encarnados will look to repeat the feat.
Team News
Real Madrid
Madrid are dealing with a significant selection crisis, particularly in the defensive and creative departments:
- Kylian Mbappé: The competition’s top scorer (13 goals) is confirmed to start after being rested over the weekend due to minor knee discomfort.
- Suspensions: Rodrygo and young defender Raúl Asencio are both out following red cards in the previous meeting with Benfica.
- Injuries: Jude Bellingham remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that may keep him out until April. Éder Militão is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from a tendon injury.
- Yellow Card Tightrope: Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Aurelien Tchouameni are all one booking away from missing the second leg.
Benfica
The Portuguese giants are also missing key components but remain formidable:
- Injuries: Midfield engine Fredrik Aursnes is ruled out with a muscle injury. Alexander Bah (cruciate ligament) and Richard Ríos (shoulder) are unlikely to feature despite returning to light training.
- Attacking Threat: Vangelis Pavlidis (28 goals this season) and Andreas Schjelderup—who scored a brace against Madrid in January—are both fit and expected to lead the line.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid ( 4-3-3)
Manager: Álvaro Arbeloa
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde; Güler, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Benfica (4-2-3-1)
Manager: José Mourinho
Trubin; Dedic, António Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Prediction
Expect goals. Real Madrid’s defensive line has looked vulnerable to pace, and Benfica’s counter-attacking efficiency under Mourinho is tailor-made for this matchup. However, with Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. fit, Madrid has the individual brilliance to secure a vital away result..
