Liga Champions | 25 February 2026 | 39

Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Benfica February 2026

Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Benfica February 2026 – A heated clash will take place in the Spanish capital when Real Madrid host Benfica in the second leg of the 2025/2026 Champions League knockout phase playoff.

With the aggregate score still narrow, this match is not only about tactics and quality, but also about mentality under immense pressure.

The match is scheduled to take place at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at 21.00 local time.

Los Blancos hold a slim advantage in this tie after recording a 1-0 victory in the first leg last week, with Vinicius Junior scoring the only goal of the match.

For those who do not want to miss the excitement of this encounter, here are recommendations from Mansion Sports on where to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica February 2026.

Condition of Both Teams Ahead of the Match

Real Madrid

The score in the first leg last week was 1-0, with Vinicius scoring the only goal in the second half, but that was far from the full story, as a major incident occurred that is still ongoing, adding further tension ahead of this match.

Vinicius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him shortly after the opening goal, which led to the match being suspended for 10 minutes before resuming, and UEFA are still investigating the incident, which has dominated post-match discussions.

Los Blancos head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will ensure that Vinicius is in the right mental condition before deciding whether to field him on Wednesday, but the expectation is that the forward will start and will be determined to help the capital giants finish the job.

Real Madrid enter this match following a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna, which leaves them second in the La Liga standings, and a significant improvement in performance will be required if Los Blancos are to progress in the Champions League.

The Madrid giants have won five of their last six matches against Portuguese teams, and if they advance to the round of 16, a two-legged tie against Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City awaits.

Regarding Real Madrid’s squad condition, Vinicius is expected to be included in the XI on Wednesday night, and the 25-year-old will aim to score in his fifth consecutive match.

Rodrygo, who recently missed out due to a hamstring issue, is again unavailable due to suspension, while Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Eder Militao (hamstring), and Dani Ceballos (calf) are also absent.

Dean Huijsen missed the match against Osasuna due to a muscle problem, and the Spain international remains doubtful for this match.

A narrow four-man midfield is again expected to include Federico Valverde and Arda Guler in the wide positions, with Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe set to operate as the two forwards up front.

Benfica

Benfica returned to winning ways in the league on Saturday, defeating AFS 3-0, but their head coach Jose Mourinho will not be on the touchline at the Bernabeu for this match after being sent off in the first leg last week.

The Eagles actually lead the overall head-to-head record between the two teams, with three victories and two defeats, including a sensational 5-3 victory in the 1962 European Cup final.

Benfica have lost six of their last eight matches against Spanish teams, including home and away defeats to Barcelona in last season’s round of 16, while they have lost 15 of their previous 27 matches against La Liga sides.

In addition, the Portuguese giants have recorded only two victories from 14 away matches against Spanish clubs, highlighting the magnitude of the challenge they face on Wednesday night.

Benfica have won eight of their last 11 European two-legged ties, but Real Madrid have won 22 of their last 23 European ties when leading after the first leg.

Regarding Benfica’s squad condition, Prestianni has been suspended by UEFA during the investigation, meaning the 20-year-old will not be involved at the Bernabeu.

The visitors are missing only one player due to injury, with Joao Veloso sidelined due to a shoulder problem; otherwise Benfica are in very good condition for the match in Madrid.

Dodi Lukebakio could be included on the wing for this match, while Richard Rios also has the opportunity to occupy a position in central midfield.

Vangelis Pavlidis has scored 28 goals in all competitions in an outstanding campaign, and the 27-year-old will continue to lead the attack.