Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League Play-Off: TV Channel, Kick-Off Time, and Team News
Real Madrid will be seeking revenge against Benfica as the two European giants face off in the Champions League knockout play-offs. This highly anticipated match comes just three weeks after Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning header for Benfica, sealing a dramatic 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in the league phase finale.
Dramatic League Phase Finale Sets Stage for Play-Off
Jose Mourinho's Benfica side delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the entire Champions League league phase with Trubin's last-gasp goal. The Ukrainian stopper headed home Benfica's crucial fourth goal in their 4-2 win over Real Madrid, securing a play-off spot and avoiding European elimination in the process.
The goal sealed Real Madrid's fate, as they finished the match at the Estadio da Luz with nine men and missed out on the draw needed to avoid being bumped out of the Champions League top-eight by Manchester City. The two clubs played out a league-phase finale for the ages and will now run it back tonight, with LaLiga leaders Real hoping their fine form under Alvaro Arbeloa can propel them past the Portuguese giants.
Match Details and How to Watch
Benfica's clash with Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm GMT on Tuesday 17 February at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video, with comprehensive coverage starting at 7pm GMT.
Team News and Injury Updates
Benfica have recently welcomed Alexander Bah and Richard Rios back to training from long spells out, but this match is expected to come too soon for both players to feature. Samuel Soares, Fredrik Aursnes, and Joao Veloso are also doubts for the Portuguese side.
Real Madrid will be without Rodryo and Raul Asencio due to suspensions picked up against Benfica in the league phase's climax, while Jude Bellingham and Eder Militao remain injured. However, Kylian Mbappe is fit and available after missing the weekend's win over Real Sociedad, providing a significant boost for the Spanish giants.
Predicted Line-Ups for the Crucial Clash
Benfica Predicted XI: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Valverde, Huijsen, Rudiger, Carreras; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Guler; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius.
This Champions League play-off promises to be another thrilling encounter between two of Europe's most storied clubs, with both sides having everything to play for in their quest for European glory.
