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

Los Blancos have defeated the Eagles only twice in five meetings.

Real Madrid are all set to host SL Benfica for their second-leg playoffs fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. Estadio Santiago Bernabéu will witness this intense clash between these clubs.

The Spanish and European giants are not going to have an easy second leg. They surely have a one-goal advantage, but Real Madrid have not been consistent in their performances.

They faced a defeat at home against Jose Mourinho’s men during the league phase. This time around Los Blancos will be looking to put up a strong show.

⚽🔛🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ItHTGJDXj

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 22, 2026

SL Benfica must avoid giving any chances to the hosts. They have been performing well and need to maintain composure on the field, which will surely put them at an advantage against Real Madrid.

The Eagles will be looking to come up with a top show and cause problems for the hosts. They will be away from home for their next UEFA Champions League contest.

Kick-off:

• Location: Madrid, Spain
• Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
• Date: Thursday, February 26
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 a.m. IST (Wednesday, Feb 25; 08:00 p.m. GMT/ 03:00 p.m. ET/ 12:00 p.m. PT)
• Referee: Slavko Vincic
• VAR: In use

Form:

Madrid: W-W-W-W-L

Benfica: D-W-W-L-W

Players to Watch

Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

Vinicius Jr has scored in back-to-back games for Real Madrid and is yet again going to play a crucial part in the attacking front. He has scored five goals in his last four games for Los Blancos and will be eager to find the net yet again. The 25-year-old is going to cause constant problems for the opponent’s defence here.

7️⃣ @ViniJr 7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/m2AzKFsOf5

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 21, 2026

Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica)

Andreas Schjelderup scored a brace at the Santiago Bernabeu and helped his side secure a win during the league phase. He is going to play an important role in the final third for SL Benfica. The 21-year-old will lead the attack from the right, and a step up in his game will surely help the visitors against Madrid.

Match Facts

• Real Madrid have won four of their last five games.
• SL Benfica have won three of their last five matches.
• The Eagles have defeated Los Blancos three times in their five meetings.

Real Madrid vs Benfica: Betting Tips and Odds

• Real Madrid to win @1/2 Ladbrokes
• Kylian Mbappe to score @13/20 Virgin Bet
• Goals under 3.5 @7/10 Unibet

Injury and Team News

Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos are not going to be in action for Real Madrid due to their injuries. Rodrygo is suspended.

Benfica will not have head coach Jose Mourinho on the sidelines as he has been suspended. Samuel Soares and Joao Veloso might also sit out due to their fitness issues.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 5

Real Madrid won: 2

SL Benfica won: 3

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Courtois (GK); Trent, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Guler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Mbappé, Vini Jr.

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

Trubin (GK); Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Aursnes; Prestianni, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis

Match Prediction

This is going to be an entertaining game between these sides. Real Madrid are likely to come out on top and secure a win against SL Benfica in their upcoming UEFA Champions League playoffs battle.

Prediction: Madrid 2-1 Benfica

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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