The UEFA Champions League Knockout phase play-off tie between Real Madrid and Benfica is set for 25 February 2026 in Madrid, with kickoff at 20:00 UTC. Real Madrid arrive as 9th in the overall Champions League table on 15 points, while Benfica sit 24th with 9 points, both having advanced to the play-offs from the league phase.
Real Madrid availability
Real Madrid face several important absences. Jude Bellingham misses out with a hamstring injury, removing a major midfield presence. Dani Ceballos is also unavailable due to a muscle injury, while defender Eder Militao is sidelined with a hamstring problem, further reducing options at the back. Young defender D. Huijsen is out with a muscle issue, and Rodrygo is suspended following a red card. Even so, the attack remains potent: Kylian Mbappé, the competition’s leading scorer with 13 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearances, is fully available, as is Vinícius Júnior, who has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists. Creative midfielder Arda Güler also boosts Madrid’s options with 4 assists so far.
Benfica availability
Benfica travel with concerns of their own. N. Felix is ruled out by a knee injury, while G. Prestianni is suspended. There are further doubts over key contributors: F. Aursnes, who has 1 goal and 4 assists in this Champions League campaign, is listed as questionable due to inactivity. Goalkeeper Samuel Soares and midfielder João Veloso are also doubtful with injury and a shoulder problem respectively, potentially stretching squad depth in goal and midfield.
Impact summary
Both sides are missing important names, but Real Madrid retain the bulk of their attacking firepower, including Mbappé, Vinícius and Güler, who together account for a large share of their goals and assists. Benfica’s uncertainty around Aursnes, their leading creator, could significantly limit their ability to match Madrid’s offensive output.
