Benfica Clash with Real Madrid: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Thirteen years since José Mourinho coached Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, the pair are poised to meet as opposing managers for the first time when Benfica welcome Los Blancos in the Champions League league phase conclusion.
Real Madrid enter this encounter in a significantly stronger position than their rivals. The 15-time European titleholders have secured victory in five of their seven league phase fixtures and occupy third position, needing just three points to guarantee their direct qualification to the round of 16.
The Portuguese side, conversely, have endured difficulties in this season's Champions League, experiencing five losses, including their recent 2–0 defeat to Juventus. Benfica currently sit 29th in the standings, positioned below the qualification line for even the playoff round.
Victory over Arbeloa's squad alone won't guarantee survival from elimination, but it remains essential if Benfica hope to maintain any possibility of progressing to the knockout rounds. Defeating a recently resurgent Real Madrid, however, presents a formidable challenge—as Mourinho knows well. The former Los Blancos manager has yet to triumph against his previous employer from the opposite dugout.
Here's Sports Illustrated's match preview for this Champions League encounter.
What Time Does Benfica vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?
What Time Does Benfica vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Benfica (WLWLL) | Real Madrid (WWWLL) |
|---|---|
Benfica 4–0 Estrela da Amadora | Villarreal 0–2 Real Madrid |
Juventus 2–0 Benfica | Real Madrid 6–1 Monaco |
Rio Ave 0–2 Benfica | Real Madrid 2–0 Levante |
FC Porto 1–0 Benfica | Albacete 3–2 Real Madrid |
Benfica 1–3 Braga | Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid |
How to Watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Benfica vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, TUDN USA, Vix |
United Kingdom | discovery+ |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | FOX One |
Benfica Team News
Benfica Team News
Benfica's treatment room is quite busy at present, with six players anticipated to be unavailable against Real Madrid. Dodi Lukebakio continues his recovery from a fractured ankle, joined by Richard Rios, who suffered a dislocated right shoulder earlier this month.
Alexander Bah and Nuno Félix are both rehabilitating from ACL injuries. Henrique Araújo's muscular problem is less serious, but sufficient to sideline the forward, similar to the comparable issue affecting Samuel Soares.
January acquisitions Sidny Lopes Cabral and Rafa Silva, who both participated in the weekend's 4–0 victory over Estrela da Amadora, cannot participate in the Champions League fixture due to registration restrictions.
Benfica Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Benfica Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Benfica predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedić, T.Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov; Pavlidis.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid Team News
Arbeloa remains without the services of injured players Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger. While the final two are anticipated to return in upcoming weeks, they weren't deemed fit enough for the journey to Lisbon.
Positive news for Real Madrid includes the return of Álvaro Carreras, who missed the Monaco match through suspension, and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was absent against Villarreal due to suspension—both are now available for the league phase finale.
Arbeloa's primary selection dilemma concerns the right flank. Franco Mastantuono was anticipated to be replaced by the recently returned Rodrygo at the weekend, but instead retained his starting position while the Brazilian remained on the bench. It seems Rodrygo is being gradually reintegrated into the team, potentially allowing the Argentine youngster another starting opportunity.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Benfica (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinicius Junior.
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
With their Champions League participation at stake, Benfica will undoubtedly emerge with urgency for victory before their home supporters. However, the club's disappointing European campaign coupled with their recent decline in form over the past month favors the visiting team.
Real Madrid haven't avoided mistakes in the new year either, but they approach this fixture following three consecutive victories, none more commanding than their 6–1 demolition of Monaco last week.
Kylian Mbappé will relish the opportunity to capitalize on a fragile defense; indeed, the French striker's 11 league phase goals are almost twice the six that Benfica have managed as a complete squad in this season's Champions League.