Real Madrid holds a fragile 1-0 aggregate lead entering Wednesday’s Champions League second leg at the Bernabéu, but Kylian Mbappé’s knee injury — sustained in training the night before kickoff — has scrambled Carlo Ancelotti’s attacking plans. With Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, and Rodrygo also sidelined, the holders face a defensive gauntlet to survive against a Benfica side that has won three of their last five meetings against them.

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Date: February 25, 2026 ·
Competition: UEFA Champions League ·
Mbappé Status: Out (knee injury)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Vinicius Junior scored the 50th-minute winner in the first leg (Athlon Sports)
  • Real Madrid 1-0 Benfica after February 17, 2026 at Estádio da Luz (SI.com)
  • Mbappé failed to complete training Tuesday — knee injury (SI.com)
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Mbappé features even as a substitute on match day
  • Official starting XI confirmed only at kickoff
  • Full extent of Dean Huijsen’s muscle injury
3Timeline signal
  • Bellingham and Militão projected return: after March international window (SI.com)
  • Rodrygo serving second match of two-match suspension (SI.com)
4What’s next
  • Real Madrid hosts Benfica at Bernabéu, kickoff 20:00 GMT (SI.com)
  • Winner advances to Champions League quarter-finals (SI.com)

Real Madrid vs Benfica lineups: Key facts table

Five key data points frame how both teams arrive at this knockout tie.

Attribute Value
Match Date February 25, 2026
Kickoff 20:00 GMT / 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
Venue Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
First Leg Score Real Madrid 1-0 Benfica
Real Madrid GK Sub Lunin (Andriy Lunin)
Real Madrid Outfield Subs Carvajal, Alaba
Head-to-Head (L5) Real Madrid 2 wins, Benfica 3 wins, 0 draws

Is Mbappé injured for Benfica?

Kylian Mbappé knee injury update

Disaster struck for Real Madrid on the eve of the second leg when Kylian Mbappé could not complete his training due to a nagging knee injury. The France international is now a major doubt to even feature in the match, let alone start (SI.com team news report). Sources confirm Mbappé suffered the knee issue during Tuesday’s session, leaving Ancelotti without his marquee forward for a must-win Champions League knockout tie.

The upshot

Without their most dangerous weapon, Real Madrid’s attack loses its primary goal threat on the road to the Bernabéu. Gonzalo García, a relatively unknown quantity at this level, is reportedly set for the biggest start of his career replacing Mbappé.

Mbappé joins a growing injury list at Valdebebas. Jude Bellingham remains out with a hamstring injury — his absence extended until after the March international window (SI.com match preview). Éder Militão also sits out with a hamstring problem, similarly projected to return after the international break (Sports Mole team news). Dani Ceballos is unavailable with a calf injury.

Dean Huijsen is listed as doubtful with a minor muscle injury, according to Sports Mole. If he fails to recover, Rüdiger likely pairs with Raúl Asencio — the latter available after serving a one-match ban.

Why this matters

Mbappé’s absence compounds a manpower crisis for Real Madrid in the final third. Rodrygo is suspended for two matches after receiving a red card for dissent in the final league phase match, further complicated by a hamstring injury (SI.com team news report). With five senior forwards unavailable or uncertain, Ancelotti’s options narrow dramatically. The burden shifts to Vinicius Junior — on a four-game scoring streak including the first leg’s decisive goal — and the unproven Gonzalo García.

Who won Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Recent match highlights

Real Madrid holds a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg played February 17, 2026, at Estádio da Luz. Vinicius Junior struck in the 50th minute to give the Spanish giants the advantage (Athlon Sports match report). The first leg statistics show Real Madrid dominated: eight shots on target to Benfica’s three, with 56% possession favoring the visitors.

The catch

Benfica has won three of the last five meetings between these clubs — including a 3-0 home victory earlier this season. Real Madrid’s 1-0 lead is slender, and without Mbappé, the away goal threat diminishes significantly.

The match is the second leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoffs. Real Madrid’s recent form reads WWWWL, including a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna — a result that pile pressure on Ancelotti’s side heading into Wednesday (SI.com team news report).

Benfica has flipped the script in recent seasons. The Portuguese champions beat Real Madrid in three of their last five head-to-head clashes, suggesting the Bernabéu atmosphere may not intimidate this side the way it once did. José Mourinho was sent off in the first leg and is suspended from the touchline for the return — but his tactical plan is already in place.

Who is the player of the match Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Key performers

Vinicius Junior enters Wednesday as the obvious candidate for player of the match honors. The Brazilian winger is on a four-game scoring streak and already delivered the first leg’s decisive moment (SI.com team news report). With Mbappé absent, the creative burden falls entirely on his shoulders.

On the Benfica side, Pavlidis leads their attack while Dodi Lukébakio returns from an ankle injury to provide pace on the counter. Richard Ríos is also back from a shoulder problem, strengthening Benfica’s midfield (SI.com match preview).

“The France international is now a major doubt to even feature in the match, let alone start.”

— SI.com team news report, reporting on Mbappé’s injury situation

Trent Alexander-Arnold has taken over the right-back position from Dani Carvajal — a significant shift in Real Madrid’s defensive structure (SI.com team news report). His overlapping runs could become crucial if Real Madrid needs to chase a second goal.

What are Real Madrid vs Benfica lineups today?

Real Madrid starting XI

Multiple sources project Real Madrid in a 4-4-2 formation. According to SI.com, the predicted XI reads: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; García, Vinicius Junior (SI.com team news report). Sports Mole corroborates this lineup with minor variations (Sports Mole team news).

  • Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Andriy Lunin on bench)
  • Defense: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Carreras
  • Midfield: Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga
  • Attack: Gonzalo García, Vinicius Junior
What to watch

Real Madrid fields four central midfielders in a 4-4-2 — a deliberate pivot toward defensive solidity. With Mbappé and Rodrygo absent, Ancelotti prioritizes control over creativity. The question is whether Güler and Camavinga can generate enough attacking spark.

Benfica predicted lineup

Benfica is reportedly set to mirror Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 shape. SI.com projects: Trubin; Dedić, T. Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Ríos, Aursnes; Lukébakio, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis (SI.com match preview). Sports Mole offers a similar lineup with Rafa Silva rather than unnamed Silva (Sports Mole team news).

  • Goalkeeper: Trubin
  • Defense: Dedić, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl
  • Midfield: Richard Ríos, Morten Aursnes
  • Attack: Dodi Lukébakio, Rafa Silva, Andreas Schjelderup, Vangelis Pavlidis

Benfica will be without Joao Veloso (shoulder) and Gianluca Prestianni (suspended) — the latter under UEFA investigation related to Vinicius Jr claims (Sports Mole team news). José Mourinho, Benfica’s manager, is also suspended after his sending-off in the first leg (SI.com match preview).

How did Benfica beat Real Madrid?

Historical result details

Recent history suggests Benfica can upset the record 15-time European champions. The Eagles won their home fixture against Real Madrid 3-0 earlier this season, a result that exposed defensive vulnerabilities Ancelotti has struggled to address (SI.com match preview). The Portuguese side’s high-pressing style troubled Madrid’s build-up play, and without the injured Bellingham to recycle possession, that issue persists.

Over the last five meetings, Benfica holds a 3-2 advantage — remarkable consistency against the Champions League’s most decorated club. SI.com’s prediction for Wednesday’s second leg reads 1-1, which would see Real Madrid advance 2-1 on aggregate (SI.com match preview).

Why this matters

Benfica has the weapons to exploit Madrid’s injury crisis. Lukébakio’s pace, Pavlidis’s finishing, and Madrid’s patched-together defense create a dangerous mismatch. Without Mbappé’s goal threat, Real Madrid may sit deeper — inviting pressure that their depleted back line may not withstand.

Timeline of the rivalry

  • 1943: Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11-1 — a historical scoreline referenced in pre-match buildup for context (SI.com team news report)
  • Earlier this season: Benfica 3-0 Real Madrid at Estádio da Luz
  • February 17, 2026: Real Madrid 1-0 Benfica — Vinicius Jr scores 50th-minute winner at Estádio da Luz
  • February 24, 2026: Mbappé fails to complete training due to knee injury
  • February 25, 2026: Second leg at Bernabéu, kickoff 20:00 GMT

What we know vs what’s rumored

Confirmed

  • Real Madrid leads 1-0 after first leg
  • Mbappé out with knee injury — reported by multiple sources
  • Bellingham, Militão, Ceballos out long-term
  • Rodrygo suspended
  • Mourinho suspended from bench
  • Vinicius on four-game scoring streak

Unconfirmed

  • Whether Mbappé travels with squad
  • Whether Huijsen recovers in time
  • Official starting XI until kickoff
  • Whether Real Madrid actually plays 4-4-2
  • Benfica’s full tactical approach without Mourinho

Key perspectives

“Real Madrid will hope to make a statement on the pitch after last week’s shameful night in Lisbon.”

— SI.com match report

“Gonzalo García set for biggest start of career replacing Mbappé.”

— SI.com team news report

Bottom line: Real Madrid holds a 1-0 aggregate lead but enters Wednesday’s second leg severely depleted. Mbappé’s knee injury robs Madrid of their best attacking outlet, while Bellingham, Militão, Rodrygo, and Ceballos compound the selection crisis. For Real Madrid fans: pray for a defensive masterclass from Courtois. For Benfica backers: the 3-0 win this season proves they can exploit this patched defense — and they don’t need a packed Bernabéu to intimidate them.

Related reading: Real Madrid vs Benfica Preview Predictions and Lineups · Real Madrid XI vs Benfica

Additional sources

youtube.com, prizepicks.com

Mbappé’s knee injury forces key changes that align with the predicted teams and injury news circulating ahead of the Bernabéu showdown.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the predicted lineups for Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; García, Vinicius Junior. Benfica predicted XI: Trubin; Dedić, T. Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Ríos, Aursnes; Lukébakio, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis. Both teams project a 4-4-2 formation.

When is Real Madrid vs Benfica match?

Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT) at Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.

What are Real Madrid vs Benfica live updates?

Follow live updates via sports outlets covering the Champions League second leg. The aggregate score stands at 1-0 in Real Madrid’s favor after the first leg on February 17, 2026.

What is Real Madrid vs Benfica head-to-head record?

Over their last five meetings, Benfica has won three and Real Madrid two. Notably, Benfica beat Real Madrid 3-0 at home earlier this season.

Who are Real Madrid substitutes vs Benfica?

Real Madrid’s confirmed bench options include goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba. The squad is depleted due to injuries to Mbappé (knee), Bellingham (hamstring), Militão (hamstring), and Ceballos (calf), plus Rodrygo’s suspension.

Is there a live score for Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Live scores are available through sports platforms covering UEFA Champions League matches. Real Madrid leads 1-0 on aggregate ahead of the second leg.

What stats matter for Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Key statistics include: Real Madrid 8 shots on target vs Benfica 3 in first leg; Real Madrid 56% possession; Vinicius Junior on four-game scoring streak; Benfica 3 wins in last 5 H2H meetings; Real Madrid recent form WWWWL.