⚽ Real Madrid head back to Lisbon on Tuesday to face Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in the first leg of the Champions League knockout-phase playoffs, less than three weeks after their dramatic, high-scoring clash 137. That night swung late when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin rose for a 98th-minute header in a rain-soaked finale, before Benfica pulled clear to win 4-2 7.
Now the rematch becomes a straight two-leg test, with Madrid aiming to respond quickly on the same stage.
Sources
- Real Madrid will face an important challenge at the Estádio da Luz against Benfica [marca.com] (2026-02-17)
- Wounded kings Real will be dangerous - Mourinho [bbc.com] (2026-02-16)
- Real Madrid face Benfica again as title charge kicks into high gear: 'A wounded king is dangerous' [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
- UEFA Champions League expert predictions, picks for playoffs: Will PSG and Real Madrid be title contenders? [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
- Champions League burning questions: Can Jose Mourinho upset Real Madrid again? Are PSG back on track? [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
- Footy Fix: Champions League returns to action with Real Madrid and PSG both fighting for knockout round spots [cbssports.com] (2026-02-16)
- Revitalised Real Madrid hope not to witness another miracle on Benfica return [theguardian.com] (2026-02-16)
Highlights
- Response mission: The Guardian called Madrid’s last visit a “total write-off,” so Tuesday’s quick return is a clear measure of how fast they can reset at the same venue 7.
- Fitness boost: CBS says Madrid get a lift with Trent Alexander-Arnold back from injury ahead of the first leg 3.
- Touchline memory: The chaos last time included Mourinho’s celebratory sprint and an embrace with a ballboy — a reminder of how quickly nights at the Luz can ignite 7.
- Broader playoff slate: Elsewhere this week, analysts are debating whether PSG and Real Madrid belong among the true title contenders as the playoffs begin on Tuesday 4.
Perspectives
José Mourinho: Mourinho warned Benfica that a “wounded” Real Madrid can be especially dangerous. He cast Madrid as the competition’s benchmark and urged Benfica to stay focused after the dramatic win.
The Guardian match preview: The Guardian framed the tie as Madrid’s built-in “second chance” under the Champions League format. It argued they return to Lisbon looking more revitalised than on the last trip — but still up against Benfica’s intensity at the Luz.