Real Madrid vs Benfica Prediction, Same Game Parlay, Latest Champions League Odds for Play-Off Leg 2
Real Madrid host Benfica in a crucial Champions League knockout second leg, with Los Blancos holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg. The stage is set at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, 25th February 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT, as the Spanish giants look to close out the tie against their Portuguese rivals.
OC Staff - February 25, 2026, 8:45 AM EST
3 Minute ReadReal Madrid vs Benfica: Lineups, Team News and Prediction
Real Madrid host Benfica in a crucial Champions League knockout second leg, with Los Blancos holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg. The stage is set at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, 25th February 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT, as the Spanish giants look to close out the tie against their Portuguese rivals.
Real Madrid vs Benfica Form
Real Madrid's most recent outing saw them suffer a 2-1 defeat on the road against Osasuna in LaLiga. This result follows a mixed run of form for the Spanish champions in their last six matches across all competitions. Within this period, they've secured three wins, including a vital 1-0 Champions League away victory over Benfica in the first leg of this tie, but have also endured two defeats and one draw. Their home form, however, has been more consistent, with a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad and a 2-1 win against Rayo Vallecano in recent LaLiga fixtures.
Benfica, meanwhile, come into this match on the back of a convincing 3-0 home win against AVS Futebol SAD in Liga Portugal. The Eagles have shown a resilient streak, with that Champions League first-leg loss to Real Madrid being their only competitive defeat in their last seven outings (W5, D1). Their recent Champions League away record, however, has been less inspiring, with only one win in their last five main-draw away matches in the competition (L4).
Real Madrid vs Benfica Head to Head
The most recent encounter between these two European heavyweights was the first leg of this very Champions League knockout tie, where Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 away victory over Benfica on 17th February 2026. Prior to that, the teams met earlier in the 2025/2026 Champions League season, with Benfica claiming a dramatic 4-2 win at home on 28th January 2026, a result that highlights their capacity to trouble the Spanish side.
Looking further back, the historical record between these two clubs in the Champions League is fairly balanced. Over their five recorded meetings in the Champions League, Real Madrid have won two, Benfica have won two, and one match ended in a draw. An additional Club Friendlies match from 2012 also saw Benfica win 5-2.
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Real Madrid vs. Benfica Odds
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Real Madrid vs Benfica Probable Lineups
Real Madrid (4-4-2):
- oGoalkeeper: Courtois
- Defenders: Carreras (DL), Alaba (DC), Asencio (DC), Carvajal (DR)
- Midfielders: Camavinga (ML), Tchouaméni (MC), Güler (MC), Valverde (MR)
- Forwards: Júnior (FC), Mbappé (FC)
Benfica (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Trubin
- Defenders: Neto (DL), Silva (DC), Otamendi (DC), Bah (DR)
- Defensive Midfielders: Barrenechea (DM), Ríos (DM)
- Attacking Midfielders: Schjelderup (AML), Rafa (AMC), Lukébakio (AMR)
- Forward: Pavlidis (FC)
Real Madrid vs Benfica Team News
Real Madrid arrive with a number of significant absences affecting their squad depth. Jude Bellingham, Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, and Dani Ceballos are all sidelined due to injury. Adding to their woes, Rodrygo is suspended for this crucial encounter. These absences will undoubtedly force a more compact and functional look in midfield, placing extra responsibility on the wide players to generate attacking momentum.
Benfica's injury list is considerably shorter, with only João Veloso confirmed to be out. This means the Portuguese side has most of its core players available, allowing for their preferred 4-2-3-1 setup designed to protect central areas and facilitate quick transitions.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica
Real Madrid enter this second leg holding a slim 1-0 aggregate lead, a scenario they are historically adept at managing in European knockout ties. They have progressed from 22 of their last 23 Champions League knockout ties after winning the first leg. With six consecutive competitive home wins at the Bernabéu, Los Blancos possess significant home momentum. The presence of Kylian Mbappé, who leads the Champions League with 13 goals this season, alongside the dynamic Vinícius Júnior, provides a potent attacking threat. Madrid's ability to attack directly and strike quickly will be key, especially with their attacking strengths focusing on creating chances through individual skill and efficient counter-attacks. They average 19.11 total shots per game, indicating an aggressive offensive approach.
Benfica, despite their first-leg defeat, have proven they can score against Madrid, as evidenced by their 4-2 group stage victory earlier this season. Their goalkeeper, Trubin, has been a standout performer, and their tactical setup aims to protect central spaces and launch quick transitions. However, their away record in the Champions League remains a concern, and they will need to overcome a strong Real Madrid side known for their offensive prowess and their ability to dominate possession (averaging 57.96% possession and 88.1% accurate passes). The challenge for the Eagles will be to chase a goal without leaving themselves vulnerable to Madrid's clinical counter-attacks, especially given Madrid's strengths in finishing scoring chances and creating chances from individual skill.
Real Madrid vs. Benfica Same Game Parlay
Best Bet: Real Madrid to Win and Both Teams to Score – Yes (+180) Check out the best odds on Caesars Sportsbook
Given Real Madrid's strong home form, their historical success in closing out knockout ties from a winning first-leg position, and their potent attack, a home win seems highly probable. However, Benfica have shown they can score against Madrid, and with their need to overturn the deficit, they will push forward, potentially finding the net. Real Madrid's home Champions League matches frequently turn into two-way contests, with 14 of their last 15 at the Bernabéu seeing both teams score. This suggests that while Madrid are likely to win, Benfica are well-equipped to breach their defence at least once.
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