Real Madrid vs Benfica: Champions League second leg preview, date, time and team news | OneFootball

Real Madrid host Benfica with place in last 16 on the line

Real Madrid vs Benfica: Champions League second leg preview, date, time and team news

Real Madrid face Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu on 25 February as both sides battle for place in Champions League round of 16.

All to play for in Madrid

Real Madrid and Benfica meet again on Wednesday 25 February 2026 in second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off.

The match kicks off at (20:00 GMT) and will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Real Madrid arrive with narrow advantage after winning first leg 1-0 in Lisbon.

First leg marked by tension

The opening match in Portugal was decided by single goal from Vinícius Júnior but the game did not pass without controversy.

After the final whistle, Vinícius accused Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni of directing racial insults toward him.

The incident drew attention across Europe and added extra tension to an already intense rivalry ahead of the return leg in Madrid.

Mourinho absent on the touchline

Benfica will be without their head coach José Mourinho on the sideline. The former Real Madrid coach received red card during the first leg and will serve suspension in the decisive match.

Mourinho’s absence is seen as setback for the Portuguese side especially in high-pressure game at the Bernabéu where Real Madrid often raise their level in European nights.

Real Madrid head into the match with some concerns over Dean Huijsen who is a doubt due to injury and may miss the game.

The tie also carries extra context from earlier in the season. During the league phase of the competition, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in Lisbon proving they are capable of hurting the Spanish giants.

With only one goal separating the teams, the second leg remains wide open as both sides push for a spot in the round of 16.