LISBON, Portugal — Real Madrid travels to Lisbon on Tuesday to face Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League playoff round, a rematch born from a stunning upset just weeks ago. The stakes are high, with the winner advancing to the Round of 16 and the loser facing a precarious path through additional qualifying matches. This Champions League playoff presents a unique challenge for both sides, testing their resilience and tactical adaptability.
The recent history between these two clubs is particularly compelling. On February 8th, Benfica secured a remarkable 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, a result that dramatically altered the landscape of the Champions League group stage. That win, punctuated by a red card for Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio and a goal from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, propelled Benfica into the playoff round while leaving Real Madrid to navigate a more challenging route. The memory of that upset undoubtedly fuels Real Madrid’s determination in this first leg.
Benfica will be looking to replicate their success from earlier this month, playing in front of a passionate home crowd. However, they will have to do so without a fully fit squad. According to MARCA, Benfica will be missing four players due to injury, while three players from their youth academy have been added to the squad for this crucial match. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Benfica coach Roger Schmidt to test the depth of his team.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be aiming to set the record straight and demonstrate their pedigree on the European stage. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is currently ninth in La Liga with 15 points, trailing Benfica who sit 24th in the Primeira Liga with 9 points. The Spanish giants are expected to field a strong lineup, though they too have injury concerns. Diario AS reports a possible starting lineup that suggests Ancelotti is taking the match seriously.
The statistical battle heading into the match favors Real Madrid. They have scored 21 goals compared to Benfica’s 10, and while both teams have conceded 12 goals, Real Madrid boasts a higher passing accuracy (88.12% vs. 83.22%) and have recorded more shots on target (58 vs. 38). However, statistics only advise part of the story, and Benfica’s recent performance demonstrates their ability to overcome statistical disadvantages.
This match is not just about securing a spot in the Round of 16; it’s about pride and momentum. For Real Madrid, it’s an opportunity to avenge their earlier defeat and reaffirm their status as a European powerhouse. For Benfica, it’s a chance to prove that their previous victory was no fluke and to continue their surprising run in the competition. The first leg in Lisbon will undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be a captivating tie.
The return leg is scheduled to be played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, providing Real Madrid with home advantage. However, Benfica will be determined to carry a positive result back to Spain and make their home ground a fortress in the second leg. The outcome of this playoff will have significant implications for both clubs’ Champions League aspirations.
Fans can follow the match live on various sports networks and streaming platforms. Detailed information on where to watch can be found on UEFA.com.
The second leg is scheduled for February 25th, promising a thrilling conclusion to this Champions League playoff battle. Both teams will undoubtedly be giving their all to secure a coveted place in the Round of 16. The focus now shifts to Lisbon, where the first chapter of this compelling story will unfold.
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