Lisbon: Three weeks after one of the most dramatic nights in Champions League group stage history, Real Madrid returns to the Estadio da Luz to face Benfica in the first leg of the knockout playoffs. The memory of Anatoliy Trubin-Benfica's goalkeeper-heading in a stoppage-time goal to seal a 4-2 victory remains fresh. That result denied Real Madrid a direct spot in the Round of 16 and forced them into this playoff tie. Now, under the management of Alvaro Arbeloa, Los Blancos are out for redemption against Jose Mourinho's resilient side.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Jose Mourinho's Benfica scraped into the playoff round in spectacular fashion. Their 10 goals scored and 12 conceded in the league phase highlight a team that embraces chaos. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions since the Champions League group stage ended. At home, they are formidable, and the psychological advantage of having beaten Real Madrid so recently-exploiting defensive lapses to score four goals-cannot be understated.
Real Madrid arrives in Lisbon in strong domestic form, having won four of their last five matches. A 4-1 demolition of Real Sociedad at the weekend, featuring a Vinicius Junior brace, served as the perfect warm-up. However, their European campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with three defeats in their last five Champions League outings. Defensively, they have been vulnerable, conceding 12 goals in the group phase. Arbeloa knows his side cannot afford the same indiscipline that saw them reduced to nine men in their last visit to this stadium.
In terms of team news, Mourinho is dealing with several fitness concerns for Benfica. While Alexander Bah and Richard Rios have returned to training, this match likely comes too soon for both. Fredrik Aursnes is ruled out, while goalkeeper Samuel Soares and midfielder Joao Veloso are major doubts. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin remains a key figure, not just for his saves but for his goal-scoring heroics in the last meeting.
Real Madrid is boosted by the return of Kylian Mbappe, who missed the weekend win over Real Sociedad but has been declared fit by Arbeloa. However, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo are both suspended, with Rodrygo serving a two-match UEFA ban following his red card in the previous meeting. Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao remain high-profile absentees due to injuries. Dean Huijsen is expected to partner Antonio Rudiger in central defense with Asencio out.
The probable lineups for the match are as follows: Benfica is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Trubin, Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl, Barreiro, Barrenechea, Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup, and Pavlidis. Real Madrid is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation with Courtois, Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Guler, Mastantuono, Mbappe, and Vinicius.
The recent form of both teams suggests a competitive encounter. Benfica has secured consecutive wins against Santa Clara, Alverca, and Estrela, with a draw against Tondela and a victory over Madrid. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has claimed triumphs against Real Sociedad, Valencia, Rayo Vallecano, and Villarreal, with a single loss to Benfica.
This matchup promises goals, with Real Madrid possessing the most lethal attack in the competition, averaging 2.62 goals per game, led by the returning Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. However, their defense has been porous, conceding 1.5 goals per game in Europe. Benfica will look to replicate the high-energy game plan that dismantled Madrid weeks ago. With Otamendi marshalling the defense and Pavlidis leading the line, they have the tools to hurt Madrid on the counter. The absence of Jude Bellingham robs Madrid of a key connector in midfield, putting pressure on Arda Guler and Tchouameni to control the game.