Real Madrid will hope that ‘lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice’ when they visit Benfica for a UEFA Champions League first-leg play-off clash at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on Tuesday night (10pm).
Almost three weeks ago, Madrid left Lisbon with their tails between their legs after losing 4–2 to Benfica in their last league-phase meeting, following a heroic winner from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin — a feat that ensured the two teams would meet yet again in the two-legged play-offs.
Benfica’s incumbent and Madrid’s former coach, Jose Mourinho, described the result as “historic and important”, but he warned his troops that the “wounded European kings” will be more dangerous this time around as they continue their bid to keep their record-extending 16th continental crown dream alive.
Recent Form
- Benfica (last five UCL games): L–W–W–L–W
- Madrid (last five UCL games): L–W–L–W–L
Injuries & Suspensions
Benfica:
- Fredrik Aursnes (unknown)
- Richard Rios (doubt)
- Joao Veloso (shoulder)
- Samuel Soares (muscle)
- Alexander Bah (cruciate ligament)
Madrid:
- Jude Bellingham (hamstring)
- Eder Militao (tendon)
- Rodrygo (suspended)
- Raul Asencio (suspended)
Key Players To Watch
Anatoliy Trubin – Benfica
After scoring a sensational winner against Madrid three weeks ago, Trubin will once again be a major focus in Lisbon. However, before attempting to pull off another heroic moment, he needs to mind his goal and keep out Madrid’s attacking threat.
Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
Vinicius was on song in Madrid’s emphatic win over Real Sociedad in La Liga, scoring a brace. He’ll want to carry that form into Lisbon against Benfica following a mixed run of performances this season.
Head-to-Head Record (UCL)
- Games played: 4
- Benfica wins: 1
- Madrid wins: 3
- Draws: 0
Predicted Line-Ups
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedić, Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Dahl; Barrenechea, Barreiro; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Real Madrid (4-3-2-1): Courtois; Carreras, Huijsen, Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
Disclaimer: The above line-ups are predictions and may not reflect the official team sheets, which are usually released closer to kick-off.
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