Actual Madrid host Benfica with place in final 16 on the road
Actual Madrid vs Benfica: Champions League second leg preview, date, time and staff information
Actual Madrid face Benfica on the Santiago Bernabéu on 25 February as either side battle for place in Champions League spherical of 16.
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All to play for in Madrid
Actual Madrid and Benfica meet once more on Wednesday 25 February 2026 in second leg of their Champions League knockout spherical play-off.
The match kicks off at (20:00 GMT) and might be performed on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Actual Madrid arrive with slim benefit after profitable first leg 1-0 in Lisbon.
First leg marked by stress
The opening match in Portugal was determined by single purpose from Vinícius Júnior however the sport didn’t move with out controversy.
After the ultimate whistle, Vinícius accused Benfica participant Gianluca Prestianni of directing racial insults towards him.
The incident drew consideration throughout Europe and added additional stress to an already intense rivalry forward of the return leg in Madrid.
Mourinho absent on the touchline
Benfica might be with out their head coach José Mourinho on the sideline. The previous Actual Madrid coach acquired purple card in the course of the first leg and can serve suspension within the decisive match.
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Mourinho’s absence is seen as setback for the Portuguese facet particularly in high-pressure sport on the Bernabéu the place Actual Madrid typically increase their stage in European nights.
Actual Madrid head into the match with some considerations over Dean Huijsen who’s a doubt resulting from damage and will miss the sport.
The tie additionally carries additional context from earlier within the season. In the course of the league section of the competitors, Benfica defeated Actual Madrid 4-2 in Lisbon proving they’re able to hurting the Spanish giants.
With just one purpose separating the groups, the second leg stays vast open as either side push for a spot within the spherical of 16.