Real Madrid vs Benfica Match Overview – 25.02.2026

Real Madrid hosts Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu in a second leg from the Champions League playoffs. Los Merengues have one goal advantage after the first match in Lisboa, but it won’t be easy for them in the second one. Benfica will try to hurt them and progress towards the 1/8-finals. Let’s preview in our Asian handicap soccer predictions for beginners.

A beautiful goal from Vinicius Junior allowed Madrid to achieve an important 1-0 win at the Estadio da Luz. The Brazilian star scored with an amazing curling shot at the beginning of the second half. Now him and his teammates have to finish the job at the Bernabeu.

Benfica will be without their manager Jose Mourinho on the touchline. The Portuguese tactician got sent off during the first leg at Da Luz. It means that Jose will have to watch the game from the stands.

Real Madrid News & Analysis

Real Madrid will host Benfica after a disappointing 1-2 defeat against Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday. It was Alvaro Arbeloa’s first league loss since he’s managing the team. It was once again Vini Jr who scored for Madrid, but the Pamplonians took the win with a decisive second goal in the last few minutes.

Alvaro Arbeloa could make a change or two in the upcoming match against Benfica, compared to the team that started the Osasuna game. Trent Alexander-Arnold could be in the line-up while Gonzalo Garcia is a solid option for the attack.

What’s worrying for Real Madrid is the form of Kylian Mbappe. The French star is having average performances lately. Los Merengues surely need Mbappe back to his best against As Aguias on Wednesday.

Benfica News & Analysis

Benfica have nothing to lose here – they need to enter the Bernabeu’s pitch and look for goals. They need those goals.

In their last game in the Liga Portugal As Aguias faced AFS at home and secured an easy 3-0 win. Bah, Barrenechea and Rafa Silva put the ball in the net for the hosts. For Benfica it was a good warm-up before facing the Spanish giants.

Even without their head coach Jose Mourinho on the bench, Benfica remain a dangerous opponent for Real Madrid. The Portuguese side will have its chances at the Bernabeu, but it’d be very important for them to use every opportunity.

Real Madrid vs Benfica Betting Predictions

For Real Madrid it’d be a massive failure if they don’t reach the Champions League 1/8-finals, but nothing is decided just yet – even if they won the first match.

Over 2.5 Goals;
Real Madrid to Progress;

Head-to-Head Matches

This is going to be the 6th game between Real Madrid and Benfica in football history. So far the Portuguese side is doing better – they have won three of the matches while Madrid have won twice.

Betting Verdict

Real Madrid faces Benfica as the favourite to reach the Champions League 1/8-finals, especially after winning the first leg in Lisboa. But the tie is not over just yet – As Aguias will try to use their chances. Thank you for being with and our Asian handicap soccer predictions for beginners.