Preview: Benfica vs Real Madrid Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Playoffs first-leg

The Eagles eased past Los Blancos during the league phase.

SL Benfica are now going to take on Real Madrid for their first-leg playoff stage contest of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Estádio da Luz will witness this high-stakes outing between these clubs.

The Jose Mourinho-led side will have a tough competition on their hands. They have performed well in their recent games and will be eager to upset Real Madrid once again. SL Benfica did well in their last UCL fixture and must use this home game to stay in the advantage.

Los Blancos have been performing well in the LaLiga with Álvaro Arbeloa as manager, but the same cannot be said for the UEFA Champions League. It was a lacklustre performance from the 15-time winners last time around. They will be looking to put up a strong fight, although they are likely to be under some pressure.

Kick-off:

• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Stadium: Estádio da Luz
• Date: Wednesday, February 18
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 a.m. IST (Tuesday, Feb 17; 08:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Benfica: W-W-D-W-W

Madrid: W-L-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

Vangelis Pavlidis is coming in after scoring a crucial goal for Benfica in the previous game, which also helped them secure three points. He performed really well against Real Madrid during the league phase and will be keen to come up with another top performance. He is surely going to cause issues for the opponent’s defence.

Pavlidis is our Man of the Match! ✊#CDSCSLB | #LigaPortugalBetclic pic.twitter.com/cayDne4Xms

— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) February 13, 2026

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)

Kylian Mbappe was not part of the playing XI in their previous league game, but will be back in action for their UEFA Champions League match. He has been one of the most consistent players for Real Madrid this season and is going to be a constant thorn for Benfica in the upcoming fixture.

Match Facts

• SL Benfica are undefeated in their last five games.
• Real Madrid are on a three-match winning streak.
• The Eagles have won their last two meetings with Los Blancos.

Benfica vs Real Madrid: Betting Tips and Odds

• Real Madrid to win @94/100 10bet
• Kylian Mbappe to score @4/5 bet365
• Goals over 3.5 @7/5 BetMGM

Injury and Team News

Benfica will miss out on the services of Richard Rios and Fredrik Aursnes. They are injured. Olivio Tome is suspended.

Alexander Bah, Samuel Soares and Joao Veloso might also miss out due to a lack of fitness.

Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Rodrygo are injured, hence keeping them out of action for Real Madrid. Raul Asencio is suspended.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 4

Benfica won: 3

Madrid won: 1

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Benfica predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Trubin (GK); Araujo, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Courtois (GK); Trent, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Guler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Match Prediction

Neither of these clubs will be looking to back down. Real Madrid are likely to come out on top and secure a win against SL Benfica in their upcoming UEFA Champions League playoff clash.

Prediction: Benfica 2-3 Real Madrid

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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