Some games come with history.
Some come with trauma. This one has both. Back in the last meeting, Benfica didn’t just beat Real Madrid — they turned it into chaos. A 4-2 statement, capped by that ridiculous late header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin that still feels illegal in some countries.
So now the question is simple. Do we get the sequel? Or do Madrid show up with revenge energy and let Kylian Mbappe handle business the usual way?Benfica arrive here with belief. They had to fight just to reach this stage, sneaking through on the final day, but they have found rhythm at the right time. Four wins in their last five games, strong at home, and already proven they can hurt Madrid.
Madrid, though, don’t forget. Especially not losses like that. They’ve been sharp domestically, scoring freely, and even with their defensive wobble in Europe, they still carry that "we can ruin your night in 10 minutes" aura.
This doesn’t feel like a cautious first leg. It feels like unfinished business.
Benfica vs Real Madrid: Key Stats
Head-to-head: Benfica 3 wins, Real Madrid 1 win, 0 draws
Benfica: Won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions
Benfica: Beat Real Madrid 4-2 in their last meeting
Benfica: No draws in their last 5 Champions League games
Real Madrid: Won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions
Real Madrid: Over 2.5 goals in their last 4 Champions League games
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect: Chaos vs Control
Benfica;
Benfica won’t sit back. That’s not how they beat Madrid last time. They press, they attack, and they take risks. Pavlidis leads the line, while runners from midfield will try to exploit any space Madrid leave behind. The danger is obvious — when they open up, they can also get exposed.
Real Madrid;
Madrid will want control early. Less chaos, more structure. With Mbappe and Vinicius running in behind, they don’t need many chances. The big question is defensive discipline. If they switch off again like the last meeting, Benfica will punish them.
Predicted Lineups
Benfica (4-2-3-1) 🔴⚪ Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Real Madrid (4-3-3) ⚪ Courtois; Carreras, Huijsen, Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Vinicius, Mbappe, Guler
Players and Matchups to Watch
Kylian Mbappe: If he’s fit, this becomes personal. One chance is enough.
Vinicius Junior: Direct and dangerous. Benfica struggled with him last time.
Anatoliy Trubin: Yes, him again. You just know everyone is watching corners now.
Nicolás Otamendi: Experience at the back. He will have to manage chaos, not just defend.
Odds Market on MSport
💵 Benfica to win: 3.81
💵 Real Madrid to win: 1.97
💵 Draw: 4.02
💵 Over 2.5 Goals: 1.59
💵 Both Teams to Score (GG): 1.60
Benfica believe they can do it again. Madrid believe that result was a mistake that won’t repeat. Usually, when Madrid think like that, somebody pays for it.
Prediction: Benfica 1-2 Real Madrid
