Benfica and Real Madrid are set to clash in a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday, February 17, with the match kicking off at 20:00 GMT at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.
The two European powerhouses recently faced each other in the Champions League group stage on January 28, where Benfica secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid with a 98th-minute header. That result forced Real Madrid into the playoff round after they slipped out of automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Real Madrid will have star forward Kylian Mbappe available for the match, according to reports. However, Benfica will be without several players, with four first-team members unavailable and three players from the youth squad included in the squad list.
Currently, in league play, Benfica sits in 9th position in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with 9 total points, having scored 10 goals and conceded 12. Real Madrid occupies 9th place in La Liga with 15 points, boasting a stronger goal difference with 21 goals scored and 12 conceded.
Recent form shows Benfica with wins over Santa Clara, Alverca and a 4-2 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League, alongside a draw against Tondela. Real Madrid has secured wins against Real Sociedad, Valencia, and Rayo Vallecano, but suffered a loss to Benfica in their recent Champions League encounter.
The match promises to be a compelling contest, with both teams vying for a spot in the Champions League round of 16. This first leg will be a pivotal moment in determining which side advances.
