Benfica begins its quest for a spot in the Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the first leg of its playoff matchup against Real Madrid.
Beyond the sporting stakes, Benfica is aiming to add €11 million to the funds already earned through participation and performance bonuses in the competition. Having advanced to the playoff stage, Benfica, led by Rui Costa, has already secured €53.1 million.
Should Benfica overcome Real Madrid, their total earnings will surpass €64 million. Last season, the club received €71.4 million in Champions League revenue.
In the 2024/25 season, Bruno Lage’s squad reached the round of 16 before falling to Barcelona. Like this year, they had to navigate a playoff round, successfully eliminating Monaco to reach the group stage. This match marks a crucial step for Benfica as they look to replicate that success and advance further in the prestigious tournament.
