The thrilling clash between Benfica and [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/laporta-confiante-na-vitoria-do-barcelona-na-la-liga-apos-derrota-com-girona/) is set to send shockwaves through the [Champions League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/mikel-arteta-elogia-a-concorrencia-entre-noni-madueke-e-bukayo-saka-no-arsenal/), and fans couldn’t be more eager. The first leg of the knockout playoff promises to be an electrifying spectacle, especially after Benfica’s dramatic victory over the Merengues just three weeks ago, where a last-second goal secured a stunning turnaround.
The Estádio da Luz in Lisbon will be the stage for this epic encounter, where [José Mourinho](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/enic-gasta-mais-de-80-milhoes-em-treinadores-fracassados-desde-redknapp-e-andre-villas-boas/)’s team aims to replicate the feat and hand another defeat to the Spanish giant. Since their last meeting, [Real Madrid](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/adeus-preocupacoes-mac-allister-fica-no-liverpool-diz-romano/) has responded with three consecutive victories in [La Liga](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/a-defesa-do-barcelona-pode-ser-o-calcanhar-de-aquiles-de-hansi-flick-esta-epoca/), reclaiming the lead in the domestic title race. Meanwhile, Benfica sits in third place in the Primeira Liga, three points behind Sporting and seven points off leaders Porto.
The match is scheduled to start at 21:00 local time, and the excitement is palpable. The atmosphere promises to be electrifying, with Benfica fans preparing a warm welcome, and the team boosting motivation with a display of a celebratory photograph of goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin at the club’s facilities. The intention is clear: to unsettle the opponent and fuel the rivalry. The coach of Real Madrid, Álvaro Arbeloa, downplayed the situation, but it is undeniable that this could create extra tension on the pitch.
Statements from Álvaro Arbeloa
“It’s a new beginning for us, we start from scratch, and that’s what we want. We have a story to write in this competition and we are ready for it,” Arbeloa said when asked about the controversial photo of Trubin. The rivalry between the two clubs is at an all-time high, and the match promises to be a true test of nerves.
Team Lineups
As for the teams, Mourinho has nearly the entire squad at his disposal, with the exception of João Veloso and backup goalkeeper Samuel Soares. Benfica’s likely formation will be a 4-2-3-1, with Trubin in goal, and a defensive line consisting of Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, and Dahl. Up front, Pavlidis will be the main attacking reference.
On the other hand, Real Madrid faces serious challenges, with notable absences such as Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, both out due to injuries. The defense is also struggling, with Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy unavailable. The expected lineup is a 4-4-2, with Courtois in goal and an attacking line that includes Vinicius and Mbappé.
How to Watch the Game
Football fans can follow every moment of this clash through various streaming platforms and television networks, ensuring they miss no detail of this match that promises to be a true battle on the pitch, with the main highlight on SportTV.
With so much at stake, this Benfica vs. Real Madrid is set to be one of the great moments of the season. What does fate have in store for these two powerhouses of European football? The spectacle is about to begin!
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