Preview, form, head-to-head, team news and broadcast details for Real Madrid vs Benfica clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, with a place in the Champions League round of 16 at stake
Real Madrid host Benfica at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off, knowing a place in the round of 16 is on the line.
Los Blancos carry a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Lisbon, a match marred by controversy following an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Júnior.
Real Madrid vs Benfica form
Real Madrid’s eight-game winning streak in LaLiga came to an end on Saturday, with the Álvaro Arbeloa’s team losing 2-1 away at Osasuna. It marked their first league defeat in 2026, with their previous loss dating back in early December on home soil at the hands of Celta Vigo.
As for Benfica, the Portuguese side are heading into Wednesday’s clash following a comfortable 3-0 win over AVS in the domestic league, where they sit third in the table, seven points behind leaders Porto.
Real Madrid vs Benfica head-to-head
This will be the third time these two teams face each other season, with Benfica winning their first clash back in February.
The Portuguese side grabbed a 4-2 victory that allowed them to seal a spot in the playoffs and saw Real Madrid narrowly miss out on a top-eight spot that would have clinched them automatic Round of 16 qualification.
Real Madrid vs Benfica team news
Real Madrid face midfield concerns ahead of the second leg. Dani Ceballos is sidelined with a muscle injury he picked up against Osasuna, while Jude Bellingham is also unavailable, reducing depth in central areas.
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Dean Huijsen is an injury doubt and Kylian Mbappé has been managing a knee issue in recent weeks, and although he is expected to feature, his physical condition will be closely monitored.
As for the visitors, Heorhiy Sudakov is considered a fitness doubt due to a back issue, while coach José Mourinho is suspended after being sent off in the first leg.
Prestianni will not be available for the match, as he has been suspended by UEFA for the alleged racism case with Vinícius Júnior continues.
Real Madrid vs Benfica predicted line-ups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga; Güler, Mbappé, Vinícius.
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Otamendi, T. Araújo, Dahl; Aursnes, Barreiro; Lukebakio, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Real Madrid vs Benfica: When and where to watch in US & UK
Real Madrid vs Benfica will be played on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Bernabéu in the Spanish capital of Madrid, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CET. That corresponds to 20:00 GMT in the United Kingdom and 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT in the United States.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and available to stream via discovery+. In the United States, coverage will be available on Paramount+, with selected Champions League fixtures also shown across CBS Sports platforms.
