TIPS - Real Madrid CF VS SL Benfica

[(Real Madrid CF) Strength]:
1. Real Madrid CF gained a 1-0 advantage in the first leg away, but back at the Bernabeu, their goal is far from just a narrow victory. As the most successful club in Champions League history, being forced into the playoffs is somewhat embarrassing. Returning home for this match, the team are determined to secure a resounding victory to advance strongly and announce the return of the champions to their knockout phase opponents.
2. Despite being defeated 2-1 by CA Osasuna in a last-minute loss in La Liga over the weekend, Real Madrid CF's recent performance remains commendable, with four wins and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions.
3. The Bernabeu Stadium is one of the most formidable and intimidating home grounds in Europe. Real Madrid CF are currently on a strong six-match winning streak at home.
4. Real Madrid CF's attacking line, featuring Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, is highly potent, having scored 12 goals in their last six matches, averaging two goals per game.
 

[(Real Madrid CF) Weakness]:
1. Rodrygo is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, playmaker Jude Bellingham and starting defender Eder Militao are both absent due to injuries, and Dean Huijsen and Dani Ceballos are also sidelined with injuries.
2. Real Madrid CF's recent defensive performance has not been solid, conceding eight goals in their last six matches across all competitions, averaging over one goal conceded per game. In the last league match, they were defeated by CA Osasuna in stoppage time.
3. Real Madrid CF faced SL Benfica twice in the Champions League this season, both matches proving exceptionally challenging. In the league phase encounter away, they lost 4-2, and in the first leg away, they only secured a narrow 1-0 victory, showing no significant advantage.
4. Real Madrid CF's recent performance in AH has been inconsistent, with only a 50% win rate in their last ten matches across all competitions and only three wins in their last eight home matches.
 

[(SL Benfica) Strength]:
1. SL Benfica lost 1-0 at home in the first leg, meaning they must take the initiative to score at the Bernabeu to have any hope of a comeback. This match will undoubtedly see them fight tooth and nail against Real Madrid CF, with full determination.
2. SL Benfica achieved three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six matches, showing decent overall form. In last weekend's Portuguese Primeira Liga, they secured a 3-0 victory over AVS Futebol SAD.
3. SL Benfica's recent offensive performance has been impressive, scoring 11 goals in their last six matches, including four goals against Real Madrid CF.
4. SL Benfica's defensive line has been solid, conceding only five goals in their last six matches, averaging less than one goal per game. In the first leg at home, they only lost by a narrow 1-0 margin to Real Madrid CF.
 

[(SL Benfica) Weakness]:
1. Head coach Jose Mourinho was sent off with a red card in the first leg and will be unable to direct the team from the sidelines in this match. Gianluca Prestianni is suspended due to a racial discrimination case.
2. SL Benfica's away performance is relatively mediocre, with only two wins in their last six away matches. In their most recent Champions League away match, they lost 2-0 to Juventus FC.
3. SL Benfica faced Real Madrid CF twice this season, with each team winning one match. However, this precisely indicates that in an open scenario where both sides are fighting for victory, SL Benfica will struggle to contain Real Madrid CF's offensive firepower. In the match they won, Real Madrid CF still managed to score two goals.
4. SL Benfica's recent performance in AH has been average, with only one win in their last five matches and failing to win their last three away matches.
 

[Tips]:
Although Real Madrid CF face the absence of three starters鈥擱odrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Eder Militao鈥攖his does not undermine the fundamental strength of the Era Galactica del Real Madrid to secure a victory.

They boast the most intimidating home ground in all of Europe, the Bernabeu, currently on a six-match winning streak at home with an average net win of nearly three goals, enough to strike fear into any opponent.

The in-form attacking duo of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior can provide sufficient offensive threat.

On the other hand, SL Benfica, having lost at home in the first leg, find themselves in a desperate situation.

This trip to the Bernabeu leaves them with only one path: to attack proactively.

However, this plays right into Real Madrid's preferred style of play.

The team's spiritual leader, head coach Jose Mourinho, is suspended due to a red card and can only watch from the sidelines, depriving the team of its most crucial on-field tactical brain in this critical away do-or-die moment.

For this match, it is favorable that Real Madrid, with the advantage of playing at home, will secure a victory with at least a two-goal margin at the Bernabeu Stadium, proudly advancing to the Champions League round of 16.
 

[Recommended]:
Real Madrid CF (-1/1.5)