FURTHER — UEFA Champions League playoff schedule
Álvaro Arbeloa’s team has Vinicius Junior to thank for its narrow margin, after the Brazilian He did his magic and scored a wonderful goal in Lisbon last week. The moment was quickly tarnished when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni allegedly racially abused Vinicius just before the match restarted after the goal. Prestianni was suspended by UEFA this week and will miss the second leg, as will Benfica coach (and former Madrid coach) José Mourinho, who was sent off in the 85th minute.
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However, Real Madrid are likely to be without superstar striker Kylian Mbappé as the Frenchman deals with a persistent knee problem. Mbappé is said to have been affected by the injury in recent months and missed Madrid’s league match against Real Sociedad three days before the first leg against Benfica.
For live updates and highlights from Real Madrid vs Benfica, check out PST’s live blog coverage below.
how to watch Real Madrid-Benfica live, streaming link and start time
start time: 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday (February 25)
Event: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — Madrid, Spain
television channel/Transmission: Supreme+
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Real Madrid team news, focus
OUT: Rodrygo (suspension), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Eder Militao (leg), Dani Ceballos (thigh) | QUESTIONABLES: Kylian Mbappé (knee), Dean Huijsen (calf)
Benfica team news, focus
OUT: José Mourinho (suspension), Gianluca Prestianni (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Joao Veloso (shoulder), Samuel Soares (undisclosed)
Real Madrid-Benfica prediction
With a couple of key injuries to their defensive line, Madrid might need a goal (or two) to finish this one off, as otherwise Benfica has very little to lose and should just go for it. Real Madrid 2-1 (3-1 overall) Benfica.