Log in
Don't have an account? Signup
Benfica take on Real Madrid this coming Wednesday in the Champions League. Read our in-depth preview here
Table of Contents
Benfica host Real Madrid at Estadio da Luz on Wednesday night knowing that only a victory will keep their Champions League hopes alive heading into the final reckoning of the league phase.
The Portuguese side begin matchday eight sitting 29th in the 36-team table, two points adrift of the final playoff positions, while Madrid arrive in Lisbon placed third but still not mathematically assured of a top-eight finish, with the standings tightly packed beneath them.
Benfica’s European campaign has been defined by an early collapse. Four consecutive defeats at the start of the league phase left Jose Mourinho’s side with little margin for error, although back-to-back 2-0 wins over Ajax and Napoli briefly reignited belief.
That momentum was halted last week with a 2-0 defeat away to Juventus, a result that left Benfica relying on a combination of their own result and favourable outcomes elsewhere to sneak into the top 24.
Real Madrid also arrive after a turbulent period, having endured managerial upheaval earlier this month before stabilising under new leadership. Los Blancos have now won three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 away victory at Villarreal that kept them within touching distance of the La Liga summit.
Madrid’s Champions League campaign has been far more controlled. Five wins from seven matches have placed them firmly in contention for automatic qualification, and another victory here would confirm a place in the last 16.
📋✅ Our squad for the match!
🆚 @slbenfica_en pic.twitter.com/e7dTtfZ1jc
Benfica remain without Alexander Bah, Samuel Soares, Dodi Lukebakio and Henrique Araujo due to injury, while Richard Rios is expected to miss out again through a lingering fitness issue.
January arrival Sidny Lopes Cabral is ineligible for the league phase despite scoring at the weekend, while Rafa Silva is also unavailable for the same reason.
Nicolas Otamendi is set to reach a personal milestone, becoming just the third Argentine to make 100 Champions League appearances.
Vangelis Pavlidis is expected to lead the line after ending a recent goal drought with a brace in domestic action.
Real Madrid will travel without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger, all of whom remain sidelined through injury.
Aurelien Tchouameni returns after suspension, while Alvaro Carreras is in line to face his former club following his move from Benfica last summer.
✨ #UCL training!#SLBRMCF pic.twitter.com/mMEln4qQSG
Benfica: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov; Pavlidis
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius
Benfica v Real Madrid will take place on Wednesday night, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm (UK time).
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports, with coverage available on discovery+.
Benfica
Real Madrid
Benfica’s home form suggests they will make this competitive, particularly with their European future on the line.
However, Madrid’s attacking quality and growing momentum should ultimately prove decisive, with the visitors expected to edge a narrow win and secure direct qualification to the knockout stage.https://x.com/slbenfica_en/status/2016136356888547597
We understand that gambling can be fun, but it is always important to gamble responsibly. If you are struggling with a gambling problem, please do not hesitate to ask for help. There are people who can help you get on the road to recovery. Below, we have listed some helpful resources to help aid you on the road to recovery.
Benfica’s home form suggests they will make this competitive, particularly with their European future on the line.
However, Madrid’s attacking quality and growing momentum should ultimately prove decisive, with the visitors expected to edge a narrow win and secure direct qualification to the knockout stage.https://x.com/slbenfica_en/status/2016136356888547597
Bio: Graham Heydorn, based in Porto, Portugal, is currently a President at 10managemen
170
150
Bio: Representing players, brokering deals, managing career growth. Dominic Vieira liv
200
180
Bio: Kerwin currently leads Inter AIA, the parent organization behind InterOS, as CEOâ
200
180
Chat
Connect
Sample Report
Chat