The UEFA Champions League returns to the iconic Estádio da Luz tonight for a high-stakes knockout playoff first leg. It’s a matchup that feels more like a final: José Mourinho’s Benfica hosting the kings of Europe, Real Madrid.
After a chaotic 4-2 victory for the Eagles in the league phase just weeks ago—sealed by a historic stoppage-time goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin—the footballing world is bracing for a tactical masterclass (and perhaps a bit of revenge).
Match Details
Fixture: Benfica vs Real Madrid
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 (Knockout Playoff)
Date: February 17, 2026
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
Kick-off: 20:00 UTC
The Mourinho Factor vs. The Kings of Europe
The narrative couldn't be richer. José Mourinho, now at the helm of Benfica, faces his former club. Since his return to Portugal, he has turned the "Eagles" into a resilient, counter-attacking machine.
Meanwhile, Álvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid arrives with a point to prove. Despite their dominance in Spain, that 4-2 defeat in Lisbon still stings. Madrid will be looking to their star-studded frontline to silence the 65,000 passionate fans in attendance.
Key Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): The tournament’s leading scorer with 13 goals. His pace in transition is Madrid's greatest weapon.
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Coming off a brace in La Liga, his creativity on the wing will test Benfica's compact defense.
Anatoliy Trubin (Benfica): The hero of the previous meeting. His shot-stopping (and surprising goal-scoring) ability makes him a cult hero in Lisbon.
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica): With 28 goals across all competitions this season, he remains the primary threat for the hosts.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Real Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham and Éder Militão due to injury, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the squad in a timely boost.
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Arda Güler; Vinícius Jr, Mbappé.
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Araújo, António Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barrenechea, Barreiro; Schjelderup, Sudakov, Prestianni; Pavlidis.
Prediction: Benfica 1-2 Real Madrid
While Mourinho knows how to set up a defensive block, the sheer individual brilliance of Mbappé and Vinícius Jr might be too much to contain over 90 minutes. Expect a tighter, more tactical affair than the January thriller, with Madrid taking a slight advantage back to the Bernabéu.
How to Watch Benfica vs Real Madrid Live Stream
Don't miss a second of the action. You can follow the live scores and match commentary on official broadcasters like TNT Sports, Movistar+, and the UEFA official app.
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