Real Madrid vs Benfica: Champions League Playoff Second Leg Live Tonight at Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid vs Benfica is the biggest Champions League fixture of the night, with the Spanish giants hosting the Portuguese side at Santiago Bernabéu this Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM ET. Real Madrid carry a 1-0 aggregate lead into the second leg after a tense first-leg victory in Lisbon, and a place in the round of 16 is on the line.
First Leg Result: Vinícius Jr. Decided It in Lisbon
Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1-0 at Estádio da Luz in the first leg. The breakthrough arrived when Vinícius Jr. scored a stunning goal to put the visitors ahead in the second half. The celebration was short-lived, however, as chaos ensued — Vinícius walked off the pitch alleging that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni had targeted him with a racial slur, halting play for several minutes as officials reviewed the incident.
Kylian Mbappé subsequently called on UEFA to issue the toughest possible sanction against Prestianni, saying the Argentine called Vinícius a racial slur five times during the clash.
Prestianni Suspended, Key Injuries Hit Both Sides
Prestianni is suspended for the second leg following the incident. For Real Madrid, Eder Militao (hamstring), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Dani Ceballos (calf), Rodrygo (suspended), and Kylian Mbappé (knee) are all unavailable. For Benfica, João Veloso is out with a shoulder injury in addition to the Prestianni ban.
The absence of Mbappé is the headline blow for Madrid, ruling out their most expensive attacking option for a match that demands a clinical performance if they want to close out the tie cleanly.
Real Madrid vs Benfica Starting Lineups
Real Madrid start with Courtois in goal, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, and Carreras in defense, Valverde, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni in midfield, and Güler, García, and Vinícius in attack. Benfica line up with Trubin in goal, Dedic, Araújo, Otamendi, and Dahl at the back, with Aursnes, Rios, Lukebakio, Rafa, and Schjelderup supporting Pavlidis up front.
What Real Madrid Need to Advance
Real Madrid approach tonight's game with the advantage gained in Lisbon. The winner of this tie will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the round of 16. The team has recorded six consecutive victories at the Bernabéu, scoring 21 goals and conceding only 4. "We are very eager to enjoy a great Champions night at the Bernabéu," said head coach Arbeloa ahead of kick-off.
Benfica simply need to score once to force extra time, or twice to eliminate the 15-time European champions on the night. Mourinho's side is in excellent form, having lost only one of their last seven matches — that being the first leg. Striker Pavlidis leads the Portuguese side with 28 goals this season.
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Benfica Tonight
In the United States, the Real Madrid vs Benfica second leg is available on Paramount+ and TUDN. In Canada, it airs on DAZN and fuboTV. UK viewers can watch on TNT Sports and discovery+. Kick-off at Santiago Bernabéu is 3:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM local time in Madrid, Spain.
Context: A Rivalry Reignited Under Extraordinary Circumstances
This two-legged tie has been overshadowed by the racism controversy from the first leg but has also produced some of the most compelling Champions League drama of the season. With Benfica under José Mourinho and Real Madrid led by a youthful Arbeloa side, tonight's match at one of European football's most iconic stadiums carries weight far beyond a simple knockout result. Check back for full-time score and post-match analysis as soon as the final whistle blows.
