UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Season

[changaa]

Sure you're right we can't underestimate Benfica because they are not a small club, since they are in the Champions League that means they are not a small club and since they get the opportunity to defeat Real Madrid in the group stage of the Champions League they can still get hope to win Madrid in the playoffs again. Real Madrid is a big club and am sure they will do everything possible to get the opportunity to qualify to the next round since they are playing home and away that can make Madrid qualify but if is only one match I can says that Benfica can win the match, but since they is second leg even Benfica get chance against Madrid in the first leg, in the next game Madrid won't give them that opportunity.

Madrid is always the Champions of the ucl always they have the highest champions trophies so they have every experience to destroy a club when is Champions League.

Benfica is a small club compared to Real Madrid but i can assure you that if you watched their games you would realise that they are currently one of the best teams in their league and i think the results they are achieving are also remarkable, they seem really good to me, and i think that is why they will do well.

[cande86]

The chances that Real Madrid are not going to win this game is not even in contention. This is a must win match for them regardless of their performance in the La Liga and the champions league now. Both teams can show a great form of excellence, but no doubt Real Madrid are going to win this game and it’ll be in both legs.

I believe that Real Madrid can win without any problems and this is something that happens often, when teams are sure of winning they always end up losing, it is something that happens often but i have to say that this is perhaps not the case with Benfica and that it was just a coincidence that the victory happened.

[ndutndut]

The coaches of big teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona are under a lot of pressure compared to other teams. Because if small teams lose, there is not much criticism. But if big teams like Real Madrid or Barcelona lose, there is a lot of criticism and everyone starts blaming the coaches. Currently, Real Madrid's position is not that good and before that, a coach was appointed, he was replaced and this coach was appointed again. After this coach was appointed, there was some improvement but now they are performing as before.

Madrid's overall performance has been more unstable since the sacking of Alonso. However, they managed to continue their winning streak in La Liga. But their performance is not stable. And I am very disappointed with their overall performance. Arbeloa is also less experienced. Madrid will not win if Arbeloa can't devise a descent strategy against a clever coach like Mourinho. Madrid have a lot of star players in their squad, very strong squad, but they still need a stable match strategy if they want to beat Benfica. Don't forget Benfica's manager is "MOURINHO".

This is a tough challenge for Albeloa as Real Madrid coach. The playoffs are a crucial part of his Real Madrid career. So, I think he'll give his all in this match. Despite his inexperience he's coached a team with a strong mentality and many star players. Don't be mistaken, Zinedine didn't have much experience himself but he successfully coached Real Madrid. Albeloa can emulate Zidane success if he continues to improve and develop himself while coaching Real Madrid.

Albeloa has all the talent in his squad which is certainly an advantage for him against Benfica who are coached by a coach with a wealth of experience. Strategy will certainly be crucial and Albeloa is aware of that, so I think he will change his tactics against Benfica. Real Madrid's squad is quite good, and I hope he doesn't make the same mistakes in his lineup and substitutions.

[Zlantann]

The coaches of big teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona are under a lot of pressure compared to other teams. Because if small teams lose, there is not much criticism. But if big teams like Real Madrid or Barcelona lose, there is a lot of criticism and everyone starts blaming the coaches. Currently, Real Madrid's position is not that good and before that, a coach was appointed, he was replaced and this coach was appointed again. After this coach was appointed, there was some improvement but now they are performing as before.

Real Madrid would have to manage till the end of the season because they are under a world-class coach. With all due erespect Alvaro Arbeloa is not in the class of coaches that should handle Real Madrid. Some experienced coaches who are available in the market would have been signed to handle the club till the end of the season. The good news is that Barcelona is not doing well, which would give Real the motivation to keep fighting for the La Liga title. The League is open to these two clubs since the point gap between them is one.    

[Distraction]

Benfica is a small club compared to Real Madrid but i can assure you that if you watched their games you would realise that they are currently one of the best teams in their league and i think the results they are achieving are also remarkable, they seem really good to me, and i think that is why they will do well.

In their league yeah. But even there they are the 3rd now. Porto and Sporting come first these days. Benfica aren't in their prime years. This is a clear truth.

The way they beat Real Madrid was impressive. I accept that. Especially the motivation to qualify for playoffs pushed them for that 4-2 win. They needed that crazy last goal for it. 

Now there is again a motivation. But do they have what it takes again? I just expect Real Madrid to eliminate them with their experience...

[KTChampions]

Probably there are still people who think Benfica will even win at home in the first leg. Or get a draw at least. I wouldn't come to such conclusion just because Real Madrid lost to them in league phase.

I expect some good improvement by Real Madrid defense this time. I hope to see it at least. Maybe they have an inexperienced manager like Arbeloa. However we are still talking about Real Madrid. Benfica shouldn't be a team to make big difficulties for them in this stage.

The first game is rated quite well by bookmakers (for Benfica):

3.55 - 3.85 -1.86

I think Benfica's double chance could be a reasonable bet. Real is the favorite, but what's the point of pushing too hard if the deciding game is in Madrid? Where Real will be quoted at ~1.3. I believe in Real's discipline and focus, but I wouldn't bet cash here. The ideal scenario (for a cash bet) would be a tight scoreline in the first leg (no matter who wins) so Real would have good motivation for the return leg.

[Mate2237]

That's true Madrid just has to manage with this coach till the end of the season no matter the results they they experience. Madrid can't afford to bring in a new coach just in the space of one Season. A team like madrid supposed to be coached by a world class coach which I don't see this present coach to be. As far as am concerned this coach is just here for the interim basis till the end of the season.


Madrid has to look for a world class coach that is technically sound which can challenge Barcelona and even the champions League which is the most important.

[bitzizzix]

While Benfica may have a great coach, Real Madrid has the UCL DNA and a star squad capable of delivering when the team needs a win. So, I'm still favoring Real Madrid to advance to the round of 16 even though Benfica beat them in their previous match. Real Madrid is a team that is smart at evaluating what happened previously and they will not allow Benfica to beat them a second time let alone a third time.

Benfica has entered the competition so much that they managed to win against Real Madrid, they seem to me to be an exceptional team that is in it and i believe they can put in a great performance in the next match against Real Madrid, who certainly want to win, it will certainly be a great challenge.

I see this match as a rematch of their last meeting, when Real Madrid lost 4-2 at home to Benfica.
Real Madrid will also be the away team in this match, and I believe that defeat will be repeated. Mourinho knows the weaknesses of Real Madrid and his new coach, Arbeloa. And a coach plays a crucial role in the outcome of a match. Even with the best players or squad, without reliable tactics and strategy, they will lose to an experienced coach, as evidenced in the previous match.

[Pandorak]

The problem is that this dude has played great anywhere he played, all the way from Monaco to PSG to Real Madrid and also at France national team as well. But whenever the team loses, he became the problem and what everyone talked about.

Mbappe scored two goals at world cup finals and yet he still got the problem, he scored even the penalty later and got his third and he was seen as the issue. Same with PSG, he played wonderful and won everything but because they won UCL without him, dude was seen as the reason. Now Real Madrid is failing even though he is doing his best, and people think he is the problem.

It's crazy to think about this. How can you blame a player who has contributed so much to the team, scoring goal after goal and helping the team win game after game by utilizing his abilities, His contribution is needed in almost every game the team plays. Perhaps we should think positively, instead of focusing on the haters, we should focus on those who continue to support the team in all situations, they are the true fans. We must realize that it is impossible to please everyone, that it is impossible to win every game, and that it is impossible for a player to never make a mistake, to a greater or lesser extent, every player has made small or big mistakes throughout their football career.

[Amphenomenon]

Sure you're right we can't underestimate Benfica because they are not a small club, since they are in the Champions League that means they are not a small club and since they get the opportunity to defeat Real Madrid in the group stage of the Champions League they can still get hope to win Madrid in the playoffs again. Real Madrid is a big club and am sure they will do everything possible to get the opportunity to qualify to the next round since they are playing home and away that can make Madrid qualify but if is only one match I can says that Benfica can win the match, but since they is second leg even Benfica get chance against Madrid in the first leg, in the next game Madrid won't give them that opportunity.

Madrid is always the Champions of the ucl always they have the highest champions trophies so they have every experience to destroy a club when is Champions League.

Benfica is a small club compared to Real Madrid but i can assure you that if you watched their games you would realise that they are currently one of the best teams in their league and i think the results they are achieving are also remarkable, they seem really good to me, and i think that is why they will do well.

Benfica are the underdog here but they winning the last game against Real Madrid is a reason I think Real Madrid will be the qualifying team, although it won't be easy but after both the Away and Home game they will be the victor, qualifying to the next round.

[Dzwaafu11]

The chances that Real Madrid are not going to win this game is not even in contention. This is a must win match for them regardless of their performance in the La Liga and the champions league now. Both teams can show a great form of excellence, but no doubt Real Madrid are going to win this game and it’ll be in both legs.

I believe that Real Madrid can win without any problems and this is something that happens often, when teams are sure of winning they always end up losing, it is something that happens often but i have to say that this is perhaps not the case with Benfica and that it was just a coincidence that the victory happened.

Real Madrid and Benfica match is been predicted many times with different opinions. To me, seriously I can’t give Benfica a winning because Real Madrid will want to do everything possible to win this match. There is no way Real Madrid will allowed them loose to Benfica so as you said, it’s football and anything can happen, we can’t really assure Real Madrid a straight winning in this match, because anything can happen.

[bangjoe]

For the first leg, my only hope is that if Madrid do lose, the aggregate deficit won't be too big. As long as the gap is manageable, they still have a solid chance to make a comeback in the second leg and eliminate Benfica.

It is no coincidence that i would dare to say that whoever coaches Real Madrid truly has a huge responsibility and i would not want to be in his place at this difficult time for the Blancos team.
I is confident that things can really get better, but this season seems to be doomed.

Madrid does have problems but that doesn't mean they can't solve them, we know the strength that Real Madrid has if they are able to utilize the player resources they have, with lots of talented players in every position on the field is an advantage they have, if Arbeloa can take advantage of this by managing it well, and of course according to what he has, Real Madrid will be very capable, but it seems like no one has realized how to combine the strengths that are currently available.

[Hardyrobust]

The chances that Real Madrid are not going to win this game is not even in contention. This is a must win match for them regardless of their performance in the La Liga and the champions league now. Both teams can show a great form of excellence, but no doubt Real Madrid are going to win this game and it’ll be in both legs.

I believe that Real Madrid can win without any problems and this is something that happens often, when teams are sure of winning they always end up losing, it is something that happens often but i have to say that this is perhaps not the case with Benfica and that it was just a coincidence that the victory happened.

Real Madrid and Benfica match is been predicted many times with different opinions. To me, seriously I can’t give Benfica a winning because Real Madrid will want to do everything possible to win this match. There is no way Real Madrid will allowed them loose to Benfica so as you said, it’s football and anything can happen, we can’t really assure Real Madrid a straight winning in this match, because anything can happen.

As much as I would have loved to give real Madrid to win benfica, there is chances that benfica may win them. If it was like some past season when real Madrid was actually at there best form, I don't think if anyone would ever consider benfica to win  them. However real Madrid performance this season isn't great as compared to some past season. Therefore I won't conclude that real Madrid will win benfica neither will I say that benfica will win but one thing is certain there will definitely be a winning in this match.

[Mayor of ogba]

Is crazy to see how Mbappe keep scoring and breaking records which one time seems unbreakable, now he also have more games to play so for sure he is gonna break a lot of records if he maintain this level, and more in a team like Real Madrid who receive a lot of penalty kicks in their favour.

Sad for Messi and Cristiano to see their records broken so fast.

As time goes, some of the records of Ronaldo and Messi will be broken but you see the ballon d'Or, i don't think it will be easy for any player to win many ballon d'0r that will surpass that Messi and Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappe is a good striker so he can still score many goals in the champions league. Sometimes i do wonder if there can really be another player who can break the records kept by Lionel Messi and Ronaldo because both players took football to another level.

I'm not against Mbappe breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's and Lionel Messi's records because records are meant to be broken, and I agree with you that it's not easy for anyone to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi numbers of balloon d'Or, because I don't think anyone player will be at the top of the game the way Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi was. Mbappe might break Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League goal record of highest goals in a single Championships League if Real Madrid qualifiers for the Champions League knockout phase.

[Adams0001]

As much as I would have loved to give real Madrid to win benfica, there is chances that benfica may win them. If it was like some past season when real Madrid was actually at there best form, I don't think if anyone would ever consider benfica to win  them. However real Madrid performance this season isn't great as compared to some past season. Therefore I won't conclude that real Madrid will win benfica neither will I say that benfica will win but one thing is certain there will definitely be a winning in this match.

I don't think that will be easy to happen real madrid have more chance to defeat Benfica in the playoff, Madrid is a tough club that can do anything possible when he comes to the champions league, real madrid can’t be knockout so easily in the first seconds stages in the Champions League. So I get the believe that real madrid will surely achieve the victory home and away madrid will get the wining. Let see how the games will proper ended. Since benfica defeated madrid in the group stage thinking is just a normal game, madrid just perform weak so that benfica can see a way to qualify to the playoff but now they have meet each other in the playoff so let watch and see how madrid will destroy them.

[Dump3er]

As much as I would have loved to give real Madrid to win benfica, there is chances that benfica may win them. If it was like some past season when real Madrid was actually at there best form, I don't think if anyone would ever consider benfica to win  them. However real Madrid performance this season isn't great as compared to some past season. Therefore I won't conclude that real Madrid will win benfica neither will I say that benfica will win but one thing is certain there will definitely be a winning in this match.

I don't think that will be easy to happen real madrid have more chance to defeat Benfica in the playoff, Madrid is a tough club that can do anything possible when he comes to the champions league, real madrid can’t be knockout so easily in the first seconds stages in the Champions League. So I get the believe that real madrid will surely achieve the victory home and away madrid will get the wining. Let see how the games will proper ended. Since benfica defeated madrid in the group stage thinking is just a normal game, madrid just perform weak so that benfica can see a way to qualify to the playoff but now they have meet each other in the playoff so let watch and see how madrid will destroy them.

Real Madrid is confident enough to survive this little problem with a very high probability, but the truth is if they fail, I ask myself how far the criticism will go? They sacked Alonso only to get a coach who is not on the level of Alonso. That was a weird decision, but since it is Real Madrid, they get judged by results. They can only hope that Benfica won't rule them out.

[Bobrox]

Benfica is a small club compared to Real Madrid but i can assure you that if you watched their games you would realise that they are currently one of the best teams in their league and i think the results they are achieving are also remarkable, they seem really good to me, and i think that is why they will do well.

Your opinion not fully wrong, Benfica is small team comparison with Real Madrid but last match indeed not favorite but Benfica success defeating Madrid 4-2 and dropping Madrid to the playoff round standings position. Don't blame with Benfica performance in Champion League although this season although in domestic league loss dominance from FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon.
Madrid must be careful and playing well for first leg will face Benfica at their home, most of fans still remember well how Jose Mourinho tactical success beating Madrid at last champion league phase round match, will Mourinho success defeating Madrid again at the playoff round for the first leg match?

[AYOBA]

Benfica is a small club compared to Real Madrid but i can assure you that if you watched their games you would realise that they are currently one of the best teams in their league and i think the results they are achieving are also remarkable, they seem really good to me, and i think that is why they will do well.

They’re incomparable but do you know that a small clubs are the best now in every leagues, and that’s I wasn’t surprised when saw Real Madrid and Benfica results. Because football is unpredictable a team that you underestimate are the one bringing out a positive results against strong that’s all about football; and even their next coming match if Real Madrid not be careful they can still concede a goal against the Benfica for the second time.

[Mustang Shelby]

For the first leg, my only hope is that if Madrid do lose, the aggregate deficit won't be too big. As long as the gap is manageable, they still have a solid chance to make a comeback in the second leg and eliminate Benfica.

It is no coincidence that i would dare to say that whoever coaches Real Madrid truly has a huge responsibility and i would not want to be in his place at this difficult time for the Blancos team.
I is confident that things can really get better, but this season seems to be doomed.

Perhaps things will be great in the future, but this year Real Madrid is raising a big alarm. With this squad, Real Madrid can certainly achieve success this year, but we don't see complete team cohesion among the players. If Real Madrid players stop focusing on individual talent and start prioritizing teamwork like Barcelona, ​​they will have a much better season.

[MarjorieZimmermanGinger]

Real Madrid is confident enough to survive this little problem with a very high probability, but the truth is if they fail, I ask myself how far the criticism will go? They sacked Alonso only to get a coach who is not on the level of Alonso. That was a weird decision, but since it is Real Madrid, they get judged by results. They can only hope that Benfica won't rule them out.

I'm not so confident about Real Madrid this season because the team is indeed experiencing a slight decline and even a change in coach could cause some problems. During the Ancelotti era we saw Real Madrid possess the ability to make changes even when the team is in decline, but this season Real Madrid has lost that. The problem isn't just individual prowess it's far more problematic for this team as it lacks leadership. Real Madrid is not a team that relies on one player previously, all players contributed to their achievements.