The Real Madrid vs Benfica UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff return leg (second leg) is a crucial clash at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. Real Madrid hold a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead after Vinicius Jr.'s goal in the first leg in Lisbon, which was overshadowed by racism allegations against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni (who has been provisionally suspended by UEFA for the second leg).
This match determines which team advances to the round of 16, where the winner would face the victor of Sporting CP or Manchester City.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT / 9:00 PM local time in Madrid (21:00 WAT for Nigeria/West Africa Time zone)
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
How to Watch Live
Availability varies by region. Check local listings or official broadcasters for the most up-to-date options, as rights can change.
In the UK: TNT Sports 1 (TV) and discovery+ (streaming, requires TNT Sports package).
In the United States: Paramount+ (exclusive streaming for UEFA Champions League matches), with some games also on CBS Sports Network or Golazo Network.
In Canada: DAZN (via Fubo or direct subscription) or TSN+.
In Spain: Movistar Liga de Campeones or Orange TV.
Globally/Other Regions: UEFA's official partners (check uefa.com for your country's broadcaster), or streaming services like Paramount+ where available. Free options may exist in select countries (e.g., RTL Play in Belgium for some UCL games), but use a VPN if geo-restricted and legal in your area.
Live Streams and Highlights: Official UEFA app/website, or platforms like ESPN+ (US) for additional coverage.
Tune in early for build-up, as the atmosphere at the Bernabéu under lights is electric for knockout ties.
Match Preview
Real Madrid, the defending champions and perennial European powerhouse, come into this tie as favorites despite recent domestic struggles (including a 2-1 La Liga loss to Osasuna). They secured a vital away win in the first leg thanks to Vinicius Jr.'s strike, but the game was marred by off-field controversy. At home, Los Blancos are formidable in the Champions League, often turning ties in their favor with late drama or individual brilliance.
Benfica, managed by José Mourinho, showed resilience in the first leg but need to attack more aggressively to overturn the deficit. They'll push for an early goal to force extra time or penalties, but face a tough task against a motivated Madrid side eager to silence critics and progress.
The tie has extra spice due to the racism row involving Vinicius Jr., adding emotional intensity.
Team News
Real Madrid (injuries/suspensions mounting):
Out: Rodrygo (suspension/injury), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Éder Militão (hamstring), Dani Ceballos (calf).
Doubtful: Kylian Mbappé (recent concerns), Dean Huijsen (injury).
Key players expected: Vinicius Jr. (in form, scoring streak), Thibaut Courtois (GK), Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Arda Güler.
Predicted lineup (4-4-2 approx.): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio/Rüdiger, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Vinicius Jr., Gonzalo García/Mbappé (if fit).
Benfica: Suspended: Gianluca Prestianni (UEFA ban following first-leg incident).
Key players: Vangelis Pavlidis (forward threat), Rafa Silva, Anatoliy Trubin (GK), Nicolás Otamendi (defense).
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1 approx.): Trubin; Dedic, Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Rafa Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Both teams may rotate slightly due to fatigue, but expect strong XIs for this high-stakes game.
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid have historically dominated Benfica in European competitions:
Recent UCL encounters favor Madrid, including the 1-0 first-leg win (February 17, 2026).
- Overall in competitive matches: Real Madrid have won more often, with Benfica's notable successes rare.
- Aggregate in recent ties: Madrid often progress, leveraging home advantage.
- Key stat: Madrid have scored in their last several UCL home games, while Benfica struggle to keep clean sheets against top sides away.
Prediction
Real Madrid should edge this at home. Their
quality, Bernabéu factor, and need to respond after domestic setbacks make them likely to score and hold firm. Benfica will create chances but may lack the cutting edge without key elements.
Predicted score: Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (Real Madrid advance 3-1 on aggregate).
Expect goals, tension, and possibly late drama—classic Champions League knockout fare! Enjoy the match. Hala Madrid!
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