Will Vinicius Jr play tonight for Real Madrid vs Benfica in Champions League 2025-26 play-off second leg?

The Brazilian forward has scored in four back-to-back games for Los Blancos.

Vinicius Jr’s Real Madrid will be at home for their second-leg playoff contest of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. They will be looking to make use of their one-goal advantage against SL Benfica.

Los Blancos have previously faced a defeat at the hands of the Eagles at home. It was in the league phase contest of the UEFA Champions League. The hosts will be looking to come up with a better approach this time around.

SL Benfica will be without their headcoach Jose Mourinho, after the Portuguese manager was booked for his reaction over Vinicius Jr’s goal celebration. The visitors will be under pressure as they are already down by a goal. They do have capable players in the squad and will be eager to make a comeback here.

Also Read: Preview: Real Madrid vs Benfica Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Will Vinicius Jr play tonight vs Benfica?

The Brazilian forward has been an important player on the attacking front for Real Madrid. He has scored five goals in his last four appearances. In the absence of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr will have a lot of work to do in the final third.

He was the difference maker in the first leg, netting the match-winning goal in the 50th minute for Los Blancos. In nine UEFA Champions League games of the ongoing campaign, he now has six goal involvements.

Vini Jr. has recently been a part of a controversy. He alleged that Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni made a racist remark after the Brazilian forward netted the match-winning goal for Real Madrid in the first leg.

After some ongoing investigations, the 20-year-old Argentine forward has been suspended for the second leg after breaching UEFA’s disciplinary code for racial abuse. Further developments might even see Prestianni serving a 10-game ban.

In this game, Vinicius Jr should be in the starting lineup. He will be the first choice for Alvaro Arbeloa due to his current run of form.

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