Real Madrid midfield superstar at risk of suspension heading into Benfica clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid take on SL Benfica tonight at Estadio Da Luz in Lisbon in the final matchday of the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.

Currently third in the CL standings, the Merengues are well-positioned to secure a top-eight finish and directly qualify for the Round of 16, although they will need a victory against Jose Mourinho’s men tonight to avoid being dependent on other results for that to happen.

Jude Bellingham a suspension risk

Heading into the game, though, Real Madrid talisman Jude Bellingham is staring at the risk of being suspended for the team’s next Champions League clash – whether it comes in the Round of 16 or in the knockout playoffs.

Indeed, the England midfielder, who is certain to start in midfield tonight in Lisbon, is already on two bookings in Europe this season. And one more yellow card against Benfica will make it three, earning him an automatic one-match ban for accumulation of cards.

Bellingham has picked up two yellow cards in the CL this season. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

It would lead to Bellingham missing the first leg of either the Round of 16 clash, if Real Madrid secure a top-eight finish, or the first leg of the knockout playoff.

An important player for Real Madrid, the 22-year-old superstar’s absence will come as a significant blow for the team, and as such, he will hope to keep his discipline tonight against Benfica.

So far this season, Bellingham has played 26 matches in all competitions, scoring six and assisting four goals.

He has featured in six of Real Madrid’s seven Champions League games this term, contributing three goals in the process (G2 A1).