Preview and betting odds for Benfica vs Real Madrid at 03:00 on 18/02/2026, Champions League play-off round

On the other hand, Real Madrid travel to Portugal with the determination to avenge their previous loss. Although they finished 9th in the group stage (just missing the top 8), the 2-4 defeat against Benfica forced coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad to play two tense play-off matches. However, Real are in perfect form after a 4-1 demolition of Real Sociedad in La Liga to take the top spot.

Real Madrid have undoubtedly learned a harsh defensive lesson from their previous defeat, especially as they will welcome back key players.

Despite Benfica’s home advantage and Mourinho’s knack for facing his former club, Real Madrid’s superior class usually shines in knockout rounds. The visitors are likely to adopt a more cautious approach, making a high-scoring game less probable than before.

Team news for Benfica vs Real Madrid

Benfica: The biggest absences are midfielders Fredrik Aursnes and Samuel Soares. Defender Alexander Bah has returned to training but is unlikely to start. Joao Veloso and Richard Rios remain doubtful.

Real Madrid: Great news as Kylian Mbappe has fully recovered from injury and is ready to start. However, Real face a defensive crisis with Raul Asencio suspended, Eder Militao out long-term, Rodrygo banned by UEFA, and Jude Bellingham still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Expected lineups for Benfica vs Real Madrid

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.

Head-to-head record and form of Benfica vs Real Madrid

Benfica’s recent form:

14/02/26: Santa Clara 1-2 Benfica (Portuguese League)

09/02/26: Benfica 2-1 Alverca (Portuguese League)

02/02/26: Tondela 0-0 Benfica (Portuguese League)

29/01/26: Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid (Champions League)

26/01/26: Benfica 4-0 Estrela (Portuguese League)

Real Madrid’s recent form:

15/02/26: Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad (La Liga)

09/02/26: Valencia 0-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)

01/02/26: Real Madrid 2-1 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)

29/01/26: Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid (Champions League)

25/01/26: Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid (La Liga)

Head-to-head record of Benfica vs Real Madrid:

29/01/26: Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid (Champions League)

28/07/12: Benfica 5-2 Real Madrid (Friendly)

Predicted score: Benfica 0 - 2 Real Madrid