Real Madrid vs Benfica live: Huge Mbappe blow for Madrid and Uefa verdict on Prestianni ban after racism storm | OneFootball

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Real Madrid take on Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off tie tonight, with the hosts holding a slender lead after their 1-0 win in the reverse fixture.

The first leg was marred by controversy over the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, with the Argentine now banned for this match while under investigation by Uefa.

The controversy has continued in the build-up to the second leg – with Benfica boss Jose Mourinho refusing to hold a pre-match conference – and the most recent on-pitch development has seen Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the match ahead of kick-off.

And while plenty of eyes will be on the Bernabeu tonight for non-footballing reasons, there is plenty still to play for on the pitch, with the winner of the tie facing either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the round of 16 later this month.

When is the Champions League last-16 draw? Date, start time, qualified teams and how to watch online

The Champions League knockout rounds are set to be mapped out this week as the draw for the last-16, quarter-finals and semi-finals takes place in Nyon, Switzerland.

The midweek play-off games will send eight more sides into the round of 16 to join the top eight from the league phase. Five Premier League teams – Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City – have already qualified for the knockout rounds, with Newcastle set to join them via the play-offs.

The outline of the draw has already been made, with teams grouped into small four-way pools of possible opponents based on their league placings.

When is the Champions League last-16 draw?

The draw to decide the knockout rounds will take place on Friday as Europe’s elite discover their last-16 opponents

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 19:20

Real Madrid boss urges Uefa to seize opportunity to ‘fight against racism’ in Vinicius Jr case

Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has called on Uefa to demonstrate its commitment to combating racism, following alleged abuse directed at forward Vinicius Jr.

The incident occurred during last week’s Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg in Lisbon, where Vinicius claimed he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni shortly after scoring the only goal.

Prestianni, an Argentinian winger who denies the allegation, has since been handed a one-game provisional ban by Uefa, ruling him out of Wednesday evening’s return leg in Madrid.

Real Madrid boss urges Uefa to seize opportunity to ‘fight against racism’

Vinicius Jr accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during last week’s match

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 19:10