Benfica will face their toughest test in the 2025/2026 Champions League when they host Real Madrid at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday (January 29th). This match is a huge gamble for Jose Mourinho’s side , who must win to maintain their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid came to Lisbon with a simpler but crucial objective: securing a direct ticket to the round of 16. The encounter was also fraught with emotion, as Mourinho would be facing the club that once guided him to the pinnacle of European glory.
Benfica currently finds themselves in a precarious position in the league standings. Their early slump has left them no longer in full control of their own destiny. A 2-0 defeat to Juventus on the previous matchday has further weighed on the team’s morale, despite their convincing domestic form.
In contrast, Real Madrid are on the rise. After being rocked by a change of manager, Los Blancos have now won three straight matches in all competitions. Their confidence is boosted by the outstanding performances of Kylian Mbappé, who continues to make the difference in big matches.
Benfica actually has a sweet history when facing Real Madrid, including victory in the 1962 Champions League final. In fact, they once won 5-1 at the Estadio da Luz.
However, statistically, Benfica has struggled against Spanish clubs. They have won just three of their last 25 UEFA competition matches. In contrast, Madrid has been dominant against Portuguese opposition, winning eight of their last 10 meetings.
Predicted Lineups
Benfica:
Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov; Pavlidis
Real Madrid:
Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Bellingham, Guler; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius
Benfica vs Real Madrid Score Prediction 1-2
Benfica is expected to attack from the start, as only a win will keep their hopes alive. However, gaps in their defense could be exploited by a more mature and efficient Real Madrid.
With their individual qualities, especially Mbappe’s sharpness, Real Madrid are expected to steal a win in Lisbon.