Real Madrid play Benfica in Champions League playoff: Team news and lineups | Football News
Benfica Set to Face Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League Playoff
Who: Benfica vs. Real Madrid
What: UEFA Champions League Playoff
Where: Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
When: Tuesday, February 17 at 9 PM (20:00 GMT)
How to Follow: Live text and photo coverage available at Al Jazeera Sport.
The playoff phase of this year’s UEFA Champions League begins Tuesday, featuring a high-stakes matchup between Benfica and Real Madrid, led by manager José Mourinho, who returns to face his former club.
The two teams recently clashed in the group stage, where Benfica achieved a dramatic 4-2 victory over the Spanish giants on January 28. That win allowed Benfica to secure a playoff position, while Real Madrid’s loss dropped them from automatic qualification for the round of 16 into the knockout phase.
Al Jazeera Sport will provide coverage of this crucial encounter, highlighting the personal stakes for Mourinho, one of Real Madrid’s most successful managers.
Recent Encounter
In their last match, Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin stunned spectators by scoring a last-minute header, propelling Benfica to victory and sealing their spot in the playoffs. The Portuguese side, facing elimination, led 3-2 late in the game before Trubin’s goal turned the tide and secured qualification via goal difference.
The defeat marked a downturn for Real Madrid, who finished the match with nine players after Raúl Asensio and Rodrygo were sent off. Los Blancos now face Benfica again in a challenging playoff draw.
Team Outlooks
Benfica’s squad is nearly at full strength. Forward Vangelis Pavlidis is expected to lead their attack, joined by Norwegian international Andreas Schjelderup, who previously scored twice against Real Madrid. However, they will be without key midfielder Fredrik Aursnes due to injury.
Benfica Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Trubin (GK); Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Schjelderup, Sudakov; Pavlidis.
Real Madrid anticipates the return of forward Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined during the recent La Liga match against Real Sociedad. His presence is a boost for head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, though the team remains without Jude Bellingham (injured), Asensio, and Rodrygo (both suspended).
Real Madrid Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Courtois (GK); Carreras, Huijsen, Rüdiger, Alexander-Arnold; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Valverde, Vinicius, Güler; Mbappé.
Champions League Schedule
The Champions League knockout rounds will continue with matches on March 10-11 and March 17-18, culminating in the final at Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary, on May 30.
This playoff represents a critical juncture for both teams as they vie for advancement in one of Europe’s most prestigious competitions.
