Real Madrid vs Benfica UCL Preview: Start Time, Team News, How To Watch, Live Stream & Odds

Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz will stage the first leg of a high-stakes Champions League playoff on February 17, as Real Madrid return to the scene of one of their most chastening nights of the campaign hoping to flip the script against Benfica.

Only 21 days have passed since the same teams met on the same pitch to close the league-phase schedule. On that occasion Benfica ran out 4-2 winners, a result that catapulted José Mourinho’s side into the automatic-qualification places while plunging Madrid from third to ninth and into this knockout preamble. Kylian Mbappé struck twice in vain; the enduring image was goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin soaring above the pack to head in a stoppage-time goal that sealed Madrid’s fate.

Manager Álvaro Arbeloa will take heart from domestic momentum, but he knows his squad must reproduce that form in Europe or risk another early exit. Benfica, for their part, have under-performed for much of the UCL’s league phase yet will draw belief from the comprehensive nature of that 4-2 statement win.

Team-news check

Mbappé has been managing a knee complaint and was kept on the bench for the weekend league win over Real Sociedad, a precaution that could leave him fresher for the trip to Portugal. Trent Alexander-Arnold, steadily regaining full sharpness, logged 60 encouraging minutes in the same match.

The infirmary remains busy: Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo are still unavailable through injury, while Rodrygo and defender Raúl Asencio must also serve suspensions carried over from the red cards shown in the chaotic 4-2 defeat.

First-leg particulars

Kick-off is set for 3:00 p.m. Eastern, noon Pacific, 8:00 p.m. GMT and 9:00 p.m. locally in Lisbon. Global television and streaming options will be confirmed by UEFA’s broadcast partners 24 hours prior to kick-off; check local listings for details.

Betting lines

Odds will refresh up to first whistle and are subject to market movement. Anyone seeking assistance with gambling-related issues can contact the confidential hotline 1-800-GAMBLER.

With progression to the last 16 on the line, Madrid have both scores and reputations to settle; Benfica, meanwhile, can reinforce their revival story by protecting home soil ahead of the return leg in the Spanish capital.