Benfica Plays Real Madrid in Big Soccer Game

Benfica and Real Madrid are playing an important soccer match in the Champions League. Benfica has been playing better lately, and they even beat Real Madrid recently. Real Madrid is playing well in their home country. The game is on Tuesday.
By Newsroom | Soccer, Europe |

Stakes High for European Knockout Stage Qualification

This matchup between Benfica and Real Madrid carries significant weight, with a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage hanging in the balance. The contest, a playoff-round first-leg encounter, is set to unfold at Lisbon's iconic Estadio da Luz. Both clubs arrive with varying forms, and the outcome is anticipated to be a keenly contested affair, potentially mirroring the drama of their recent encounters.

Context of the Encounter

Benfica and Real Madrid are set to face each other in a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff. This marks a significant juncture for both teams as they vie for progression in the prestigious tournament.

Benfica vs Real Madrid: Champions League prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds - 1

  • Benfica's Journey: The Portuguese side has navigated their way to the playoff round through a series of late-phase victories in the league phase, including wins against Ajax, Napoli, and notably, Real Madrid itself. Manager Jose Mourinho has been credited with a substantial turnaround since his arrival in September, leading his boyhood club to this pivotal stage.

  • Real Madrid's Form: Conversely, Real Madrid enters the tie demonstrating strong domestic performance, having secured four wins in their last five competitive fixtures. Their recent form suggests a robust campaign leading into this European engagement.

  • Recent History: The teams have already met in a prior fixture this season, with Benfica emerging victorious over Real Madrid with a scoreline of 4-2. This recent result is likely to influence perceptions and confidence levels heading into the current playoff.

  • Timing: The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with a kick-off time of 3 pm ET on February 17th.

Key Matchup Data

MetricBenficaReal MadridSource(s)
Recent Head-to-Head3 Wins3 Wins1
Benfica vs Real Madrid Prediction (Odds)13/5 (to win)4/5 (to win)1
Recent Champions League Form (Last 5)2 Wins, 3 DefeatsNot explicitly detailed, but domestic form is strong2
Overall Recent Form (Last 5)Mixed (results include wins, losses, and cup defeats)Strong (4 wins in last 5 across all competitions)2, 4
Goals Scored (Champions League)21Not specified2
Goals Conceded (Champions League)12Not specified2
Home VenueEstadio da Luz, LisbonNot specified3

Team News and Player Availability

Benfica's Squad Status

Benfica's team availability is described as "mixed." While Alexander Bah has reportedly returned to training following a lengthy recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, his participation in this specific match is considered unlikely, with the game expected to come "too soon" for him. Mourinho has overseen a significant improvement in the team's performance since taking charge.

Real Madrid's Squad Status

Real Madrid appears to have key players rested for their recent domestic victory over Real Sociedad, suggesting a focus on maintaining a strong and ready squad for the Champions League fixture. Their strong domestic form indicates a generally healthy and well-prepared roster.

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Benfica vs Real Madrid: Champions League prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds - 2

Tactical Considerations and Form Analysis

Benfica's Resurgence Under Mourinho

Since Jose Mourinho assumed management, Benfica has undergone a demonstrable transformation. Their qualification for the playoff round was secured by winning three of their final four league phase matches, a "sensational run" that saw them overcome formidable opponents. Despite this upward trajectory, the team's performances have been characterized by occasional "defensive lapses" that have undermined their attacking strength, which has seen them score 21 goals in the Champions League. Their Champions League form has been described as "unusually inconsistent" for a club of their stature, with two wins and three defeats in their last five outings in the competition.

Real Madrid's Consistent Domestic Drive

Real Madrid arrives in Lisbon on the back of strong domestic form. Their ability to secure four wins from their last five competitive matches highlights a period of sustained performance. This domestic success, coupled with the apparent resting of key players in a recent league fixture, suggests a strategic approach aimed at prioritizing their European ambitions while maintaining domestic strength.

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Benfica vs Real Madrid: Champions League prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds - 3

Head-to-Head Record

The historical head-to-head record between Benfica and Real Madrid shows an even split, with each club having recorded three wins. This parity in past encounters suggests that neither side holds a definitive historical advantage, making the current fixture all the more unpredictable.

Expert Perspectives and Betting Markets

The betting markets currently favor Real Madrid, with odds of 4/5 for them to win, compared to Benfica's odds of 13/5. This suggests that bookmakers perceive Real Madrid as the more likely victor. One source frames the upcoming match as one where "Benfica will be full of confidence after beating Real 4-2 just a few weeks ago," indicating a potential psychological edge for the home side, despite being labelled "heavy underdogs." The prediction hinges on whether Benfica can replicate their recent successful performance against Real Madrid.

Conclusion and Implications

The upcoming UEFA Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid presents a compelling contest with significant implications for both clubs' European campaigns. Benfica, under Jose Mourinho's guidance, has shown remarkable improvement and recent success against Real Madrid, although their Champions League form has been inconsistent, marked by defensive vulnerabilities despite offensive output. Real Madrid, conversely, arrives with robust domestic form, suggesting a stable and well-prepared squad. The head-to-head history is balanced, offering no clear precedent. Betting markets currently position Real Madrid as the favorite, yet Benfica's recent victory over them injects a considerable element of intrigue. The outcome will determine which team advances to the next stage of the Champions League.

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Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the game?
The game is on Tuesday, February 17th. It starts at 3 pm in the afternoon.
Q: Where is the game played?
The game is played in Lisbon, Portugal, at Benfica's stadium.
Q: How have the teams played recently?
Benfica has played better since their new coach started. Real Madrid has won most of their recent games.
Q: Did they play before?
Yes, Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2 a few weeks ago.
Q: Who is expected to win?
The betting odds show Real Madrid is more likely to win, but Benfica has a chance because they won their last game against them.