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Can Benfica sound out the drama and shock Real Madrid?
All eyes will be on the Bernabéu on Wednesday night as Real Madrid and Benfica lock horns in the Champions League play-off second leg.
Vinicius Junior's wonder goal was the difference in the first leg of a match that was overshadowed by Gianluca Prestianni's alleged racist abuse of the Brazil international.
It feels as though the dust has barely settled from last week, but both sides must now focus on the prize in front of them: progression to the knockout stages.
While Jose Mourinho's side head into the encounter with a one-goal deficit, they already know what it takes to beat the 14-time European champions.
Benfica hit by suspensions as Real Madrid wobble
Tensions are bound to be high in the Spanish capital on Wednesday evening, and that is something that may play into Benfica's hands.
In the aftermath of last week's controversy, Prestianni has been given a provisional one-match ban that will see him miss the tie in Madrid.
Furthermore, Mourinho will be absent from the touchline after he received a red card during the second half at the Estádio da Luz, although he will be in the stands.
Despite these factors standing against them, there is reason for the Portuguese giants to be optimistic ahead of the crunch match.
Real's rampant La Liga run was ended by mid-table outfit Osasuna on Saturday, with Alvaro Arbeloa's side conceding a last-minute goal to open the door to Barcelona.
Whether that result was influenced by the events of last week is unknown, but Los Blancos appear unsettled heading into what could be a highly emotional affair.
How Jose Mourinho can overcome Alvaro Arbeloa again
Mourinho will undoubtedly reference his side's victory over Real Madrid in the group stage, another drama-fuelled encounter that led to the pair meeting in the play-offs.
That match was far from a dead rubber, with Real needing a win to ensure automatic qualification to the knockouts, while As Águias required all three points and a goal swing to lift them into the top 24.
With minutes to go, Benfica appeared destined to exit the competition on goals scored, but after red cards for Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo, up popped goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to fire his team into the play-offs.
While that result might seem like an anomaly for both teams, there are several areas that Benfica will be looking to replicate and pull off another almighty upset.
Los Blancos were defensively fragile on the night, with the Portuguese side recording 12 shots on target - double the number their opponents were able to muster.
In a game where they had little possession, they were able to hurt Real in transitions and with their devastating counter-attacks, something they will attempt at the Bernabéu.
Getty Images
Given what has unfolded between the two clubs over the past month, this one has all the ingredients to again produce fireworks.
But can Benfica hold their own in spite of all the chaos that has surrounded them? A Real off day and a sprinkling of luck may just lead to another historic upset.
Full Champions League fixture list for knockout play-offs
Tuesday, 24 February
- Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiakos
- Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt
- Newcastle United vs Qarabag
Wednesday, 25 February
- Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
- Juventus vs Galatasaray
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco
- Real Madrid vs Benfica
How to watch Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99, while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
