Mansion Sports – A crucial match will take place at Estádio da Luz when Benfica host Real Madrid on matchday eight of the 2025/2026 Champions League league phase.

This encounter is filled with emotion, especially for Jose Mourinho, who must lead Benfica against his former club in a do-or-die match.

The match is scheduled to take place at Estádio da Luz on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 20.00 local time.

The hosts are in 29th place out of 36 teams and are two points behind the final qualification cutoff, while the Spanish visitors are in third place but not yet completely secure in the top eight, with only a two-point gap separating them from Juventus in 15th place.

Before the match begins, please review the recommendations from Mansion Sports for where to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid January 2026 so you do not miss the exciting action.

Condition of Both Teams Ahead of the Match

Benfica

Benfica began their league phase campaign in extremely poor fashion, suffering defeats in their opening four matches.

However, two consecutive 2-0 victories over Ajax and Napoli briefly revived hopes of qualifying for the knockout play-off round.

That resurgence came to a halt again last week when the Eagles lost 2-0 away to Juventus, a result that once more cast doubt on their ambitions of breaking into the top 24.

Although qualification is no longer entirely in their own hands, Benfica still mathematically have a chance to claim one of the final six play-off places.

However, this would require positive results in other matches as well as a large victory over the 15-time Champions League winners.

The Portuguese giants can at least draw confidence from history, having lifted the Champions League trophy twice, with one of those triumphs coming after defeating Madrid in the 1961-62 final.

In addition, a 5-1 victory in their only previous meeting at Da Luz means Benfica have recorded two wins from three encounters against Madrid.

Benfica approach Wednesday’s match on the back of strong home form, having secured their fourth consecutive victory in front of their own supporters with a convincing 4-0 win over Estrela Amadora last weekend.

That result placed them third in the Primeira Liga standings, 10 points behind the leaders.

The response came at a crucial time for Mourinho’s side, who had previously lost three of their last four matches, including elimination from the Taca da Liga and Taca de Portugal, making their European campaign a much-needed source of consolation.

For the hosts, Benfica remain without Alexander Bah due to a knee injury, Samuel Soares because of a muscle problem, Dodi Lukebakio with an ankle injury, and Henrique Araujo, who is also suffering from a muscle injury.

In addition, Richard Rios is confirmed to miss his fourth consecutive match due to fitness issues.

January signing Sidny Lopes Cabral did score in the win over Estrela Amadora, but he is ineligible to feature, as is Rafa Silva, who also cannot be selected despite making his debut from the bench in that match.

This match will also be a special occasion for veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, who will become the third Argentine player to reach 100 Champions League appearances after Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.

Vangelis Pavlidis ended a three-match goal drought by scoring twice last weekend and is expected to carry that momentum into this match.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have also experienced a turbulent period in recent weeks, beginning with a defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Super Cup final that resulted in the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.

Álvaro Arbeloa then endured a disappointing debut after Madrid were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by second-division side Albacete.

Since then, Los Blancos have responded by recording three consecutive victories in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Villarreal last weekend, where two goals from Kylian Mbappe left them just one point behind the top of the La Liga standings.

Four days earlier, the French forward also scored twice in a resounding 6-1 victory over Monaco in the Champions League, taking his total to 11 goals in the competition and equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2015-16 record for the most goals scored in a single group or league phase.

Having taken maximum points from five of their seven matches in Europe’s elite competition this season, Madrid require just one more win to secure direct qualification for the round of 16.

Their confidence is further strengthened by a record of eight wins from their last 10 meetings against Portuguese teams in UEFA competitions, including four consecutive away victories.

Regarding squad conditions for Madrid, Mbappe arrives in outstanding form after scoring in three consecutive matches, with a total of five goals during that period.

The visitors remain without Trent Alexander-Arnold due to a thigh injury, Eder Militao because of a hamstring issue, Ferland Mendy as a result of a hamstring injury, and Antonio Rudiger, who is suffering from a knee injury.

Aurelien Tchouameni returns to the squad after serving a suspension in the league match against Villarreal, while Alvaro Carreras will face his former club after moving from Benfica to Madrid last summer.

Where to Watch Benfica vs Real Madrid January 2026

For those who want to watch this match and are looking for where to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid January 2026, depending on your place of residence, the match can be viewed through the following platforms:

• beIN Sports
• DAZN
• Stan Sport
• Sky Sport
• TNT Sports
• VTVcab
• SPOTV