Real Madrid vs Benfica Prediction: Who will Win Champions League Match Today?

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The Champions League returns to the Spanish capital as Real Madrid hosts Benfica in a decisive playoff second leg. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 8:00 P.M. GMT (Thursday, February 26 at 1:30 AM IST), the 15-time champions hold a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to Vinicius Junior's goal in Lisbon.

However, the tie is far from over. Real Madrid enters the match following a 2-1 league defeat to Osasuna, while Benfica regained confidence with a 3-0 win in their domestic league. With a spot in the last-16 on the line, Alvaro Arbeloa's men must overcome a mounting injury list to stop a Portuguese side that previously beat them 4-2 in the league phase.

Real Madrid vs Benfica Team News and Injury Updates

There is a major blow in attack as manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces a crisis as superstar Kylian Mbappe is expected to miss out after suffering a knee injury in training. The Frenchman joins a lengthy absentee list including Jude Bellingham (hip), Dani Ceballos (calf), and Eder Militao (hamstring). Defender Dean Huijsen is also a major doubt with a calf issue. Furthermore, Rodrygo remains unavailable as he completes a two-match European suspension.

Benfica will be without head coach Jose Mourinho on the touchline due to a ban following his red card in the first leg. On the pitch, they are missing Gianluca Prestianni, who is suspended after the controversial first-leg incident. Midfielder Joao Veloso remains out with a shoulder injury, while Fredrik Aursnes and Georgiy Sudakov are racing to prove their fitness after minor knocks.

Real Madrid vs Benfica Predicted Lineups

• Real Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Gonzalo García, Vinícius Júnior.

• Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Lukebakio, Rafa Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

The historical record between these giants is surprisingly close, with Benfica holding three wins to Real Madrid's two in their last five competitive meetings. While Madrid won the first leg 1-0, Benfica's 4-2 victory earlier this season serves as a reminder of their attacking threat. Real Madrid has been flawless at home in Europe recently, winning six consecutive matches at the Bernabeu, whereas Benfica has struggled on Spanish soil, winning only twice in 14 away trips to La Liga clubs.

Real Madrid vs Benfica Match Prediction

Despite the absence of key players, Real Madrid's "DNA" in the Champions League usually prevails at the Bernabeu. Expect a tense opening as Benfica pushes for an equalizer, but the individual quality of Vinicius Junior and the home support should guide Los Blancos through. Benfica will pose a threat on the counter through Pavlidis, but Madrid's defensive discipline under Arbeloa should hold firm.

Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2 - 1 Benfica (Real Madrid wins 3-1 on aggregate).