By Sports Live Hub (SLH) Latest News Desk | February 17, 2026

The UEFA Champions League knockout play-offs kick off tonight with a mouth-watering first-leg clash as Benfica host Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon (kick-off: 8:00 PM IST). Kylian Mbappé’s return to action adds extra spice to a tie already laced with revenge, history, and high stakes.

First Leg Preview: Revenge on the Menu

This is no ordinary encounter. Just weeks ago, in the final matchday of the league phase, Benfica stunned Real Madrid 4-2 at the same venue, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a dramatic 98th-minute header to qualify for the play-offs. Real Madrid finished ninth and were forced into this two-legged tie, while Benfica scraped into 24th place.

Real Madrid, under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, arrives seeking revenge. “A wounded king is dangerous,” said Benfica boss Jose Mourinho, who faces his former club. The first leg promises fireworks, with the return at the Santiago Bernabéu next week deciding who advances to the Round of 16.

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Historical Context: Rare but Memorable Encounters

Benfica and Real Madrid have met just seven times in European competition, with Madrid winning six. The last clash before 2026 was in the 1960s, but the recent league phase thriller has reignited the rivalry. Benfica’s 4-2 win was their first victory over Madrid in 14 attempts, marking a symbolic breakthrough for the Portuguese giants.

Predicted Line-Ups

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Schjelderup, Sudakov; Pavlidis.

Mourinho is expected to stick with his compact setup, relying on set-pieces and counter-attacks.

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Militao, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinicius.

Mbappé starts after being rested for the weekend La Liga win over Real Sociedad. The French star is fit and fired up.

How It Shapes the Round of 16

A Benfica win or draw here would be seismic, potentially sending Madrid to the Europa League. Real Madrid need at least a draw to take a lead into the Bernabéu, where their home record is formidable. The winner advances to face one of the league phase top seeds in the Round of 16, while the loser drops into the Europa League play-offs. This tie could define both clubs’ European seasons.

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Trending FAQs

Q: What time is Benfica vs Real Madrid tonight?

A: Kick-off is at 8:00 PM IST (20:00 local time) at Estádio da Luz, Lisbon.

Q: Where can I watch Benfica vs Real Madrid live in Bangladesh?

A: WATCH FREE LIVE STREAM Exclusively on Sports Live Hub (SLH) with HD quality and Multi-angle views for Sports Enthusiasts.

Q: Is Mbappé playing?

A: Yes, the French superstar returns after being rested, adding a huge attacking threat for Real Madrid.

Q: How does this tie affect the Round of 16?

A: The winner advances directly; the loser enters the Europa League play-offs. A strong first-leg result could be decisive.

Q: What’s the score from their last meeting?

A: Benfica won 4-2 in the league phase, with a dramatic late goal from their goalkeeper.

Which player are you backing to shine tonight? Share in the comments or join the live chat on SLH. The Champions League is heating up – stream it all on Sports Live Hub!