Preview: Benfica vs Real Madrid - prediction, team news, lineups

[(SL Benfica) Strength]:
1. Forward Vangelis Pavlidis scored a brace in the last game. He has 26 goals this season, showing high efficiency.
2. SL Benfica won 4-0 over Estrela Amadora in the last league match, returning to the winning way and boosting their form.
3. SL Benfica won four consecutive home games, showing outstanding home performances.

[(SL Benfica) Neutral]:
1. Since the start of 2026, SL Benfica's season has unraveled, having been knocked out of both the Taca da Liga and the Taca de Portugal. Their Champions League campaign is also on the brink of collapse, while they trail the league leaders by 10 points. According to The Sun, frustration boiled over as 200 fans stormed the training ground to confront Jose Mourinho. A major focal point of this match remains Jose Mourinho facing off against his former club.

[(SL Benfica) Weakness]:
1. SL Benfica won two and lost five in the Champions League this season, with slim hopes of advancing.
2. SL Benfica scored only 6 goals in the Champions League, averaging less than 1 goal per game, which shows weak attack.
3. The AH line is -0.75 for SL Benfica, showing the team's inferior form and strength to that of their rivals.

[(Real Madrid CF) Strength]:
1. Top star Kylian Mbappe scored a brace in the last match. He has contributed 34 goals for the team this season.
2. Real Madrid CF just beat Villarreal CF 2-0 in the last league game and secured a 3-game winning streak across all competitions, showing remarkable form.
3. Real Madrid CF performed excellently in the Champions League this season, taking 15 points and ranking in the top three.
4. Real Madrid CF scored 19 goals and conceded only 8 in the Champions League, featuring overwhelming offense and defense.
5. Real Madrid CF won 4 of the last 5 away games, showcasing decent away performances.

[(Real Madrid CF) Neutral]:
1. In an interview with AS, Angel Di Maria discussed the upcoming Champions League clash between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF. When asked which side he would be supporting, Di Maria stated: \"I was very happy at both places, and I can't choose. \"
2. According to Fabrizio Romano, Trent Alexander-Arnold intends to remain at Real Madrid CF and are currently not involved in any negotiations with Manchester City F.C.

[(Real Madrid CF) Weakness]:
1. Real Madrid CF lost 5-2 to SL Benfica in their last encounter, without a mental advantage.

[Tips]:
The AH line is in favor of Real Madrid CF, as the team have the upper hand in terms of Champions League experience and strength.

SL Benfica performed averagely in the Champions League this season, and it is hard for them to advance despite slim hopes.

The team cannot be overestimated because of their lack of attack in this season's Champions League.

Thus, Real Madrid CF, having shown an improvement in attack lately, are expected to win this trip.

[Recommended]:
Real Madrid CF (-0.5/1)