Benfica vs Real Madrid: Expected Lineup and Team Updates

Benfica faces Real Madrid tonight in the first leg of their Champions League play-off round.

This is a rematch following an exciting league game last month. Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, scored a late goal that helped his team advance to the knockout stage.

Real Madrid began that match among the top eight teams, but their loss in Lisbon pushed them into the play-offs.

𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 ⚔️🔥

Three weeks after a dramatic win and Trubin’s heroics, Benfica hosts Real Madrid again 🦅🏟️

Will Mourinho hurt his former team again? 💔👻 Or will Mbappé and his teammates seek revenge? 😤⚡️

It’s time for the knockout-stage play-offs 🍿 pic.twitter.com/EbCH7k719g

— 433 (@433) February 17, 2026

Before the game, Benfica’s manager Jose Mourinho has told his team to prepare for a ‘wounded’ Real Madrid at The Estádio da Luz.

Benfica team news

Jose Mourinho will be without Fredrik Aursnes for this match. Richard Rios has returned to training but may not be ready for such an important game.

Additionally, Samuel Soares and Joao Veloso are uncertain to play. Alexander Bah, returning from an ACL injury, will not participate in this match.

Benfica predicted lineup

Predicted XI: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

What time is kick-off?

Benfica vs Real Madrid will start in Lisbon at 8pm GMT.

How to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid

Viewers in the UK can watch the match on Amazon Prime Video, starting coverage at 7pm.