Benfica Clash with Real Madrid: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Just under three weeks following their previous encounter in the group stage, Benfica and Real Madrid are preparing to meet in the opening leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs this Tuesday night.
What appeared to be a straightforward win for Los Blancos became a disaster at the Estádio da Luz in January. Álvaro Arbeloa's squad suffered a 4–2 defeat, ended with nine players on the field, and watched their automatic qualification to the round of 16 disappear.
Currently, Real Madrid must battle to preserve their Champions League journey in the knockout phase playoffs against a team strengthened by their recent success over the 15-time European titleholders. Benfica manager José Mourinho described his previous club as "injured" ahead of the crucial encounter, beginning the psychological warfare before kickoff.
The Portuguese coach hopes his team can duplicate their surprising win on Tuesday and maintain their undefeated streak at six matches. Los Blancos, however, should feel more optimistic this time due to several important players returning.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of the Champions League matchup.
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 (Last Five Games)
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Benfica (WWDWW) | Real Madrid (WWWLW) |
|---|---|
Santa Clara 1–2 Benfica | Real Madrid 4–1 Real Sociedad |
Benfica 2–1 Alverca | Valencia 0–2 Real Madrid |
Tondela 0–0 Benfica | Real Madrid 2–1 Rayo Vallecano |
Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid | Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid |
Benfica 4–0 Estrela da Amadora | Villarreal 0–2 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+, UniMas, TUDN |
United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | TNT Sports, Max Mexico, TNT Go |
Benfica Team News
Benfica Team News
A previously injury-plagued Benfica squad is gradually returning to complete fitness. Alexander Bah and Richard Ríos both rejoined training last week following lengthy periods out, though neither is anticipated to play against Real Madrid.
Samuel Soares and Joao Veloso are also nearing comebacks from their muscle and shoulder problems respectively, but probably not soon enough to assist their side on Tuesday.
There's no uncertainty about Fredrik Aursnes's availability; the midfielder is dealing with a muscle problem and is therefore unavailable for the match. Expect Enzo Barrenechea to replace him alongside Leandro Barreiro. In attack, Mourinho will likely field an unchanged forward line, spearheaded by Vangelis Pavlidis, from their previous encounter with Los Blancos.
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; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid Team News
Similar to the first meeting, Arbeloa still cannot rely on his top defender Éder Militão, who continues recovering from a hamstring tear. The positive news for the Spanish manager is that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger have recovered from injuries and are available to strengthen his defense.
Jude Bellingham continues to be sidelined with his own hamstring issue. Real Madrid will also miss the suspended Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo, both dismissed in the team's last group stage fixture. The Brazilian was questionable to participate anyway due to injury.
Kylian Mbappé, meanwhile, was rested over the weekend with a knee issue and undergoes a late fitness assessment for the team's clash with Benfica. Unless there's a significant complication, the Frenchman will start even if not completely healthy, considering the importance of the match.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Benfica (4-4-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Mbappé, Vinicius Junior.
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
If the previous clash between these teams demonstrated anything, it's that Benfica possess the attacking quality to find the net against Real Madrid. Another four-goal display might be overly optimistic, however, considering their opponents' reinforced defense and current momentum.
Arbeloa's side is coming off an impressive triumph over Real Sociedad, appearing like a team fully capable of reversing their sole loss in their past seven fixtures, particularly with Mbappé back in the lineup. Provided Los Blancos reduce their errors this time, they should do enough to secure an advantage for the return leg at the Bernabéu.
Prediction: Benfica 1–2 Real Madrid