Real Madrid vs Benfica LIVE: Champions League match stream, latest score, goal updates and fan reaction

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Evening Standard

·25. Februar 2026

Real Madrid vs Benfica LIVE: Champions League match stream, latest score, goal updates and fan reaction

Los Blancos take narrow lead into second-leg with round of 16 spot on the line

Real Madrid vs Benfica LIVE

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The lineup of teams in the Champions League round of 16 will be confirmed this evening, as the knock-out play-off rounds reach their conclusion. There are four matches on this evening, but atop the bill is Real Madrid’s meeting with Benfica. Injury-ravaged Los Blancos play host to Jose Mourinho’s outfit this evening and boast a narrow one-goal lead thanks to Vinicius Jr’s second-half winner last time out.

Real will be fighting something of an uphill battle in this match as Alvaro Arbeloa looks to work around some high-profile absentees. Kylian Mbappe was not named to the matchday squad after aggravating a pre-existing knee injury in training this week, while the likes of Jude Bellingham, Dean Huijsen, Dani Ceballos, and Eder Militao are all sidelined, too. Making matters worse, Rodrygo is suspended.

An ugly incident overshadowed the match action in the first leg as goalscorer Vinicius reported being racially abused by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. The Argentine, who denies the claim, has been handed a provisional ban by UEFA, meaning he will play no part this evening. Follow the game LIVE below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.