Real Madrid and Benfica meet once again in a Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday at the Estádio da Luz.
The two European giants lock horns just three weeks after their dramatic 4-2 encounter in the league phase.
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s 98th-minute header secured a famous victory for the Portuguese side and knocked Real Madrid out of the automatic qualification spots.
Benfica vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 17th February.
- Kick off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio do Sport Lisboa.
Benfica team news
Jose Mourinho faces potential selection concerns ahead of Tuesday’s crucial encounter, with Bosnian full-back Amar Dedic sidelined through injury.
Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Aursnes remains doubtful after suffering a muscle injury during training.
Additionally, Samuel Soares and Joao Veloso remain doubtful through injury, further stretching Mourinho’s squad depth. Alexander Bah returned to training but it is most likely that he will still not be involved in the match.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid will travel to Lisbon without several key players, presenting Alvaro Arbeloa with significant squad management challenges.
Jude Bellingham is ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury at the start of February. The English midfielder’s absence is a major blow for Los Blancos, with Arbeloa describing him as someone who “wants to be a leader and an example” and praising his exceptional quality.
Brazilian winger Rodrygo will also miss the clash after receiving a red card during the teams’ previous meeting in January.
Raul Asencio is also suspended after being sent off in the dying moments of the previous encounter. Long-term absentee Eder Militao remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Kylian Mbappe is expected to be available despite carrying a knee issue, with Arbeloa confirming: “Mbappe has been with these discomforts for quite some time. He is making a great effort every time he goes out on the pitch and today we decided not to take risks for Tuesday. I think he will be available”.
Form
Benfica
Jose Mourinho’s Benfica are currently enjoying a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions. The Portuguese giants sit third in the Primeira Liga with 52 points from 22 matches, maintaining their pursuit of leaders Porto. Their recent form includes a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Santa Clara on February 13.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid arrive in Lisbon in excellent domestic form, having won three consecutive La Liga matches since their Champions League setback against Benfica. Los Blancos currently top La Liga with 60 points from 24 matches, two points clear of Barcelona in the title race. Their recent run includes a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on February 14.
Predicted lineups
Benfica: Trubin; Araujo, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carreras, Huijsen, Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Vinicius, Mbappe, Guler.
How to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid?
The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK, with streaming available on Discovery+.
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