Real Madrid vs. Benfica: High Stakes at the Bernabéu for Champions League Decider

MADRID, February 25, 2026 – Real Madrid hosts Portuguese giants Benfica tonight at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs. Holding a slender 1-0 aggregate lead following a hard-fought victory in Lisbon, the Spanish side must navigate a significant injury crisis to secure their spot in the Round of 16.

Match Context and Latest Developments

The “Merengues” enter this decisive fixture following a disappointing 2-1 domestic loss to Osasuna on February 21. Despite the recent setback, Carlo Ancelotti’s men hold the advantage in this European tie thanks to a 50th-minute strike from Vinícius Júnior in the first leg at the Estádio da Luz. However, the atmosphere surrounding the match has been intensified by a formal complaint filed by Benfica to UEFA regarding an alleged physical altercation involving Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

Injury Crisis Hits Madrid

Real Madrid faces a daunting selection challenge with six key players ruled out for tonight’s clash. Most notably, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are unavailable, alongside Rodrygo, Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, and Dani Ceballos. This leaves the creative and scoring burden heavily on Vinícius Júnior as they face a Benfica side led by former Madrid manager José Mourinho.

Benfica’s Path to an Upset

Benfica arrives in Madrid needing at least one goal to stay alive in the competition. While they trail on aggregate, the “Encarnados” can draw confidence from a 4-2 victory over Madrid earlier in the January group stages. The Portuguese side will be without the suspended Gianluca Prestianni but remains dangerous on the counter-attack as they look to exploit Madrid’s depleted defensive line.

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the Real Madrid vs. Benfica match?

The match is scheduled to kick off today, February 25, 2026, at 14:00 local time (Madrid).

Why is Kylian Mbappé not playing?

Kylian Mbappé has been ruled out of the second leg due to an injury sustained recently, joining a long list of absentees for Real Madrid that includes Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.

What happens if Benfica wins 1-0 tonight?

If Benfica wins 1-0 in regulation time, the aggregate score will be tied at 1-1. Under current UEFA rules, the match would proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout, as the away goals rule is no longer in effect.

Who is the current manager of Benfica?

Benfica is currently managed by José Mourinho, who previously coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013.

What was the result of their last meeting before this tie?

Prior to the first leg of this playoff, the teams met in January 2026 during the UCL league phase, where Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2.