Benfica host Real Madrid at Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica in Lisbon on 28 January 2026, with kickoff at 20:00 UTC in the UEFA Champions League league stage. Benfica come in struggling, 29th in the overall table with 6 points, while Real Madrid sit 3rd on 15 points and firmly in contention.
Benfica Availability
The hosts face a significant injury crisis. Defensively and in wide areas they are without A. Bah (knee injury) and D. Lukebakio, who misses out with a broken ankle. Midfield depth is also hit, with R. Rios sidelined by injury, J. Veloso out with a shoulder problem and S. Lopes Cabral listed as inactive. Young forward Henrique Araújo is questionable due to a muscle injury, further limiting attacking options. Creative influence will therefore be expected from Fredrik Aursnes, who has contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in this Champions League campaign and remains available to anchor the midfield.
Real Madrid Availability
Real Madrid’s absentees are concentrated in defence. T. Alexander-Arnold (thigh), Éder Militão (hamstring), Ferland Mendy (calf) and Antonio Rüdiger (knee) are all ruled out, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with a reshuffled back line. Crucially, the attacking core is intact. Kylian Mbappé, the competition’s top scorer with 11 goals in just 6 appearances, is fit and expected to start, while Vinícius Júnior, who has 1 goal and 4 assists, and Arda Güler, with 3 assists, are also available to provide creativity and support.
Impact Summary
Both sides have defensive concerns, but Benfica’s issues extend across the pitch and include doubts in attack. Real Madrid, despite losing four senior defenders, retain almost all of their key attacking output, led by Mbappé and Vinícius, giving them a clear edge in firepower heading into this tie.
