Benfica faces Real Madrid tonight in a crucial Champions League play-off match.
The Portuguese team lost 1-0 in a close first-leg match, which was marred by accusations of racist abuse towards Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
The two teams meet again at the Santiago Bernabeu this evening. Benfica’s coach, a former Real Madrid manager, is aiming to achieve a surprise victory.
Benfica team news
Gianluca Prestianni will not play due to a one-match suspension from UEFA. He is under investigation related to the racist abuse allegations from the first leg.
Both Benfica and the player deny any wrongdoing, but UEFA has issued a temporary ban. Additionally, Joao Veloso is out with a shoulder injury.
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended by UEFA for Wednesday’s Champions League knockout play-off decider after allegedly racially abusing Vinicius Junior in the first leg last week. pic.twitter.com/segICL5GZJ
— The Football Faithful (@FootyFaithful_) February 23, 2026
Benfica predicted lineup
Benfica predicted XI: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Aursnes; Lukebakio, Rafa, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
What time is kick-off?
Real Madrid vs Benfica will start at 8pm GMT.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
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