Benfica vs Real Madrid Lineups, Prediction, Team News, Injury And Preview

Match Overview

Detail	Information
Competition	UEFA Champions League – Playoff Round (First Leg)
Date	Tuesday, February 18, 2026
Kick-off Time	01:30 AM IST (Wednesday)
Venue	Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
Current Form (Last 5)	Benfica: W-W-D-W-L / Real Madrid: W-W-W-L-W
League Phase Finish	Benfica: 24th (9 points) / Real Madrid: 9th (15 points)
Recent H2H	Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid (January 29, 2026)

Key Facts

• Benfica secured their playoff spot on the final matchday after finishing 24th in the Champions League league phase with three wins and five defeats across eight matches.
• Real Madrid finished ninth in the standings with 15 points from eight games, recording five victories and three losses.
• The Portuguese side shocked Los Blancos with a stunning 4-2 victory in their previous meeting on January 29, 2026, at the same venue.
• Jose Mourinho’s Benfica have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, showing strong momentum heading into this crucial tie.
• Real Madrid arrive in Lisbon with four wins from their last five games, including a convincing 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in their most recent outing.
• Both teams scored 10+ goals during the league phase but also conceded 12 goals each, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
• Benfica’s home advantage at Estádio da Luz could prove decisive, as they have consistently threatened visiting sides this season.
• Key absences for Real Madrid include Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Eder Militao (tendon), Rodrygo (suspended), and Raul Asencio (suspended).

Where and When to Watch

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2026
Time: 01:30 AM IST (Wednesday morning)
Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal

Broadcasting Details for India

Indian football fans can watch this Champions League playoff clash live on Sony LIV and JioTV.

Both platforms will provide live streaming coverage of the match. Viewers need an active subscription to access the live stream on Sony LIV, while JioTV users require a valid Jio connection.

The match will also be broadcast on Sony Pictures Network channels, including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, and Sony Ten 2 HD.

Team News and Injuries

Benfica Injury Report

Jose Mourinho faces several injury concerns ahead of this critical first-leg encounter.

Alexander Bah has returned to training after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, but the match comes too soon for the defender to feature.

Samuel Soares remains doubtful with a muscle problem that has kept him sidelined.

Fredrik Aursnes will miss the match, dealing a significant blow to Benfica’s midfield options.

Joao Veloso is also uncertain for selection. Richard Rios has resumed training following a dislocated shoulder but is not expected to be included in the matchday squad.

Despite these absences, Benfica’s attacking options remain intact, with key players available for selection.

Real Madrid Injury Report

Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad faces more significant personnel issues.

Kylian Mbappe missed the weekend victory over Real Sociedad but has been confirmed fit and could feature in Lisbon. His availability provides a major boost to Madrid’s attacking threat.

Raul Asencio serves a suspension after receiving his second yellow card in the previous meeting between these sides.

Rodrygo will also miss out due to a two-match UEFA suspension following his red card in an earlier fixture.

Jude Bellingham represents a major absentee for the visitors. The English midfielder is sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not travel to Portugal.

Eder Militao continues his recovery from a tendon issue and remains unavailable.

Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game

Bellingham’s absence removes Real Madrid’s creative spark from midfield. The 22-year-old has been instrumental in linking play between midfield and attack this season.

Without him, Madrid may struggle to control the tempo and create clear-cut chances.

For Benfica, the loss of Aursnes weakens their midfield stability. The Norwegian international provides defensive cover and helps transition play from defense to attack. His absence could leave gaps that Madrid’s quality attackers might exploit.

Militao’s continued absence forces Madrid to rely on makeshift defensive partnerships. The Brazilian’s leadership and defensive prowess are sorely missed, particularly against a Benfica side that scored four goals in their last meeting.

Predicted Benfica vs Real Madrid Lineups and Formations

Benfica Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Trubin
• Defense: Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl
• Midfield: Barreiro, Barrenechea
• Attacking Midfield: Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup
• Forward: Pavlidis

Mourinho is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation that provides defensive solidity while allowing quick transitions.

The double pivot of Barreiro and Barrenechea will shield the defense, while the attacking trio behind Pavlidis offers pace and creativity.

Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Courtois
• Defense: Carreras, Huijsen, Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold
• Midfield: Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde
• Attack: Vinicius, Mbappe, Guler

Madrid will likely adopt a 4-3-3 system with a strong midfield trio. Tchouameni anchors the midfield, allowing Camavinga and Valverde to support attacks. The front three of Vinicius, Mbappe, and Guler provides pace and goal threat.

Tactical Analysis

Benfica’s approach under Mourinho emphasizes defensive organization and rapid counter-attacks.

The Portuguese side sits deep, absorbs pressure, and exploits spaces left by advancing opponents. Their 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to quickly transition from defense to attack through their pacey wingers.

Real Madrid traditionally dominates possession and controls games through midfield superiority.

However, their recent defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, conceding 12 goals in eight Champions League matches. Arbeloa must find the right balance between attacking ambition and defensive stability.

The key tactical battle will occur in midfield. Benfica’s double pivot must disrupt Madrid’s rhythm and prevent Tchouameni from dictating play.

Meanwhile, Madrid’s midfield trio needs to control possession and limit Benfica’s counter-attacking opportunities.

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Head-to-Head Analysis

The recent history between these clubs is limited but significant. Their most recent encounter on January 29, 2026, produced a thrilling 4-2 victory for Benfica at Estádio da Luz.

This result demonstrated Benfica’s ability to exploit Madrid’s defensive weaknesses while showcasing their attacking prowess.

Before that, the teams met in a friendly match in July 2012, with Benfica winning 5-2.

While friendlies carry less weight, the pattern suggests Benfica performs well against Madrid at home.

Statistical Comparison

League Phase Performance:

• Benfica: 3 wins, 0 draws, 5 defeats (9 points)
• Real Madrid: 5 wins, 0 draws, 3 defeats (15 points)

Goals:

• Benfica: 10 scored, 12 conceded
• Real Madrid: 21 scored, 12 conceded

Recent Form (All Competitions):

• Benfica: 4 wins, 1 draw in last 5 matches
• Real Madrid: 4 wins, 1 defeat in last 5 matches

Madrid’s superior goal-scoring record reflects their attacking quality, but both teams share identical defensive records, conceding 12 goals each in the league phase.

Key Players to Watch

Pavlidis (Benfica)

The Greek striker leads Benfica’s attack and poses a constant threat with his movement and finishing ability. His hold-up play allows teammates to join attacks.

Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

The Brazilian winger scored twice against Real Sociedad and remains Madrid’s most dangerous attacking outlet. His pace and dribbling ability can unlock any defense.

Sudakov (Benfica)

The Ukrainian playmaker pulls the strings in Benfica’s attacking third. His vision and passing range create opportunities for teammates.

Mbappe (Real Madrid)

If fit, the French superstar provides world-class quality. His speed, finishing, and movement make him nearly impossible to contain.

Otamendi (Benfica)

The experienced Argentine defender must organize Benfica’s backline and neutralize Madrid’s attacking threats.

Benfica vs Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid enters this tie as favorites based on their superior squad depth and European pedigree.

However, Benfica’s recent victory over Los Blancos and strong home form cannot be ignored. The Portuguese side thrives at Estádio da Luz and will look to replicate their previous performance.

Madrid’s injury problems, particularly Bellingham’s absence, weaken their creative options.

Without the English midfielder, they may struggle to break down Benfica’s organized defense. The suspension of Rodrygo further limits their attacking rotation.

Benfica’s momentum and home advantage provide them with genuine belief. Mourinho’s tactical acumen and ability to organize defensively make them dangerous opponents.

However, Madrid’s experience in high-pressure European matches gives them an edge.

Predicted Score: Benfica 0-2 Real Madrid

Madrid will approach this match with greater tactical discipline than their previous encounter.

Their defensive vulnerabilities will be addressed, and they will control possession more effectively. Vinicius and Mbappe should provide the goals needed to secure an advantage before the second leg.

Latest News

Kylian Mbappe has been confirmed fit for the match after missing the weekend fixture. His availability significantly strengthens Madrid’s attacking options and provides Arbeloa with tactical flexibility.

Benfica continues to build momentum with four wins in their last five matches. Their 2-1 victory over Santa Clara demonstrated their resilience and ability to grind out results when not at their best.

Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad showcased their attacking potential, with Vinicius scoring twice. This performance will boost confidence heading into this crucial playoff tie.

The first leg sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling playoff battle between two sides with contrasting styles and ambitions.

FAQs