UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Season

[Zanab247]

After defeating Real Madrid in the previous meeting Benfica is certainly very ambitious to beat the team competing in La Liga again because they seem to have analyzed the strategy used by Real Madrid so that the victory in the previous meeting was rare like that which they did so they could beat the Real Madrid team.

Real Madrid will now certainly have a strategy to face the championship that is going on, the gap between the possible victories could change and this is a sure thing because i don't think there is much to say, it can be done and they can do it then in the Champions League is another matter.

Is like you don't know strong clubs that is wishing to lift this trophy this season, because if those clubs add more players to play this lock out stage, it will be hard for them to beat Arsenal, Manchester city, Inter Milan and Chelsea, because all those clubs have prepared well to challenge their opponent in this stage. For you to stand bold for Real Madrid to win this champion league trophy, it shows that you have confidence on the club without taking some research about their performance in other tournaments, because I know Manchester city will beat Real Madrid if they meet in the lock out stage.

Despite PSG is experiencing some little challenge in this season, i guess PSG will still repeat what happened last season, because they have potential goalkeeper and players that know how to break into opportunity to lift the champion league trophy which they will surely apply those strategies in this season.

[Luzin]

Madrid Board must be take responsible while decided to change their coach from Alonso to Arbeloa. If Madrid failed to go to the next round, Madrid board already made a big mistake. As for Arbeloa, i think this match can be an opportunity for him to show us his capability as head coach that success to bring epic comeback for his clubs in UCL. something that really important for Madrid, it's not funny the most succesful clubs with 15 UCL trophy, they are go home before reach Semi Final 

Alonso left, if I'm not mistaken, because he did not get support from management and especially from the players. It seems that management is unable to control their star players to remain respectful to any coach. His replacement, Arbeloa, I think is far from being considered accomplished and experienced, and this is actually a foolish decision. Xabi is a genius; his vision is clear, but management and player factors forced him to leave. As his replacement, I am also not fully confident in Arbeloa, due to the lack of achievements and experience in Europe and the league. If Madrid does not achieve results today, it seems the Madrid management is ready, and that is the risk they chose to take. PSG, which won last year, also has to go through the playoffs, and this should not really happen either.

[Wake Up]

Of course, Real Madrid will also prepare a special strategy when they face Benfica again. The defeat in the previous match will be a significant lesson allowing them to deeply understand the playing style of the team coached by former Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
Currently, Real Madrid seems to have returned to their best form especially with several wins in their previous matches. They are certainly well prepared for the match against Benfica. However this time the focus remains on the Real Madrid coach who must really prepare a special playing style so they won't suffer another defeat against this team.

After defeating Real Madrid in the previous meeting Benfica is certainly very ambitious to beat the team competing in La Liga again because they seem to have analyzed the strategy used by Real Madrid so that the victory in the previous meeting was rare like that which they did so they could beat the Real Madrid team.

Real Madrid is a specialist in last-minute eliminations of teams in the Champions League and in fact it doesn't worry me, clearly this is a game where anything can happen, and it wouldn't be surprising if Benfica managed to win, not at all, in fact I think it's a very good team. Lol

Benfica is a good team, of course. Remember their 4-2 win against Real Madrid in the last group stage match? Trubin scored a fantastic goal to take his team to 24th place. Now he has an even bigger task ahead of him in this knockout round. He has to be his team's best in both matches because Real Madrid will make things very difficult for him. Real Madrid is a great team, but Benfica is never to be underestimated.

[Volgastallion]

The main problem of Benfica as a team becomes when they play in the away condition, in their home they make good games and play strong but when they are away and far from his people they play really bad in some situations.

I only expect a close game in Portugal and a big win in Madrid for Real Madrid.

[el kaka22]

Real Madrid can't really handle a situation where they lose UCL once more, and then not do great at La Liga. In a case where they are leading by a lot at La Liga and getting the title, it could be maybe excused if they end up losing UCL, but if they end up losing both, yet again, for twice in a row, that is not going to be ok for them since they are spending insane amount of money and without success that type of cost is big.

Even sponsorships and merch sales and ticket sales drops when you end up losing back to back for a big team. So they need to beat teams like Benfica, I mean even if it means they may lose later on, it is not acceptable to lose to teams like Benfica. hey will play much better this time around I am sure of it.

[banana33]

Benfica won against Real Madrid, scoring four goals. Their last match against each other made this tie formidable. Benfica now knows how to play against Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho will undoubtedly prepare his team in the best way possible. If Real Madrid are eliminated in this tie, they might sack their manager and bring in a better one. It's certainly one of the most interesting and intriguing matchups.

Benfica you are right is very underestimated and people don't realize it much, but i think Mourinho does everything to turn up some noses and i think he is really good at winning against the big teams so i think we will see some good ones i expect a Benfica that will give it its all.

[BABY SHOES]

The main problem of Benfica as a team becomes when they play in the away condition, in their home they make good games and play strong but when they are away and far from his people they play really bad in some situations.

I only expect a close game in Portugal and a big win in Madrid for Real Madrid.

Benfica may need a lot of fans to improve their atmosphere on the pitch, playing at home they usually look confident, and in yesterday's match Real Madrid lost control.

This time in the playoffs will be different... I know many are looking forward to this match again but for me Real Madrid will rule the roost in this tournament.

[bastisisca]

Furthermore,, if Real Madrid loses this match, I'm not sure whether the new coach will be fired. In my opinion,, there are two possibilities: the current coach will be retained until the end of the season or fired after the match. Replacing the current coach is crucial for Real Madrid. So that's why we'll just have to see what the fate of the current Real Madrid coach will be like.

It's not easy to find a coach who is good enough to outshine Ancelotti and, above all, to solve the problems Real Madrid currently has.
Because let's be clear, the team is strong but there are strong tensions in the team's locker room, there were rumours before and there are rumours now too.

[Die_empty]

Benfica is a good team, of course. Remember their 4-2 win against Real Madrid in the last group stage match? Trubin scored a fantastic goal to take his team to 24th place. Now he has an even bigger task ahead of him in this knockout round. He has to be his team's best in both matches because Real Madrid will make things very difficult for him. Real Madrid is a great team, but Benfica is never to be underestimated.

Wining that game against Real Madrid was great but it shouldn't be used as a yardstick to judge their total performance in the UCL this season. The Portuguese side struggled to make it to the payoff and were fortunate to win the last game. Real Madrid might have an inexperienced coach now, but they have players whose individual efforts could make a difference. The Galaticos would do everything possible to redeem their image after that disgraceful loss in Estádio da Luz.

[cande86]

Both Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund have a chance to advance. Therefore, I think the result of the home team will be decisive. If Atalanta wants to get an advantageous score in Italy, they should play defensively in Germany and at least get a draw against Dortmund. If you can't win, you shouldn't lose either. That's one of the most important rules of football. The first leg will be in Germany, and Dortmund will definitely want to win that match.

Yes, both teams are definitely two teams that can do very well, i even think that Atalanta has an advantage, as they are doing well at the moment and seem to have recovered from a bit of a bad period, obviously they will have to work hard, it won't be easy for either of them and that's why it will be a good match.

[len01]

Yes,, you're right. After their victory in their previous match against Real Madrid,, Benfica must have identified Real Madrid's weaknesses. Therefore, I believe this match will be very intense. If Real Madrid doesn't play well and maintains the same performance as when they lost the previous match, Benfica will certainly dominate. Therefore,, the current Real Madrid coach must clearly be able to create a completely different strategy to outwit Benfica. That's the only way Real Madrid can potentially win.

What if it’s actually the other way around, and that defeat helped Madrid identify Benfica’s weaknesses?

We can’t rely on the result of just one match. In my opinion, it’s too much to assume that Benfica have figured out Madrid’s weaknesses and can dominate them again like before. Madrid are one of the most experienced teams in the UCL. A single defeat will definitely serve as motivation for both the coach and the players to be more cautious and better prepared. I strongly believe Madrid will prove themselves and advance to the next round by eliminating Benfica.

[jakdanyel]

My favourites to advance here: PSG, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Inter, Galatasaray (hopefully), Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen

Real Madrid have an incomplete job to do with Benfica as it seems after that 4-2 loss.    I don't expect it to be the same. They should be able to eliminate Benfica nicely.

Galatasaray have a chance against Juventus but they need to show us some solid strength. They have a good squad.

[Promocodeudo]

Wining that game against Real Madrid was great but it shouldn't be used as a yardstick to judge their total performance in the UCL this season. The Portuguese side struggled to make it to the payoff and were fortunate to win the last game. Real Madrid might have an inexperienced coach now, but they have players whose individual efforts could make a difference. The Galaticos would do everything possible to redeem their image after that disgraceful loss in Estádio da Luz.

Let me agree with you that Realmdrid will by all means do everything possible to hit the ground running this time of course you know what I meant but let me ask you this question irrespective of the facg that football is unpredictable and their new manager in the picture, are you convinced that the recent form of RealMadrid guarantee them a wining in that match? Let's not forget about the struggles they go through to win matches that would've have been easy for them to win if it were to be the Realmadrid that we use to know earlier before this time, at this point I will not belittle any team, I will be waiting to see what Realmadrid got next before I can say anything.

[BRINIRHA]

Alonso left, if I'm not mistaken, because he did not get support from management and especially from the players. It seems that management is unable to control their star players to remain respectful to any coach. His replacement, Arbeloa, I think is far from being considered accomplished and experienced, and this is actually a foolish decision. Xabi is a genius; his vision is clear, but management and player factors forced him to leave. As his replacement, I am also not fully confident in Arbeloa, due to the lack of achievements and experience in Europe and the league. If Madrid does not achieve results today, it seems the Madrid management is ready, and that is the risk they chose to take. PSG, which won last year, also has to go through the playoffs, and this should not really happen either.

And what is very unfortunate is why the coach had to be replaced in the middle of the season. This will only put Real Madrid in a transitional period in the middle of the season, which will clearly affect their performance. Alonso just needs to be given more time. And I think the players' egos also need to be lowered a little in this case, because the Real Madrid we see today is quite different. I hope to see the beautiful teamwork we once saw from this team. Now, more players want to stand out. and I think the coach will also be a bit overwhelmed by this situation. However, I also hope Arbeloa can meet everyone's expectations. Although it seems like many people aren't expecting much from this coach.

[LGD2Business]

My favourites to advance here: PSG, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Inter, Galatasaray (hopefully), Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen
Real Madrid have an incomplete job to do with Benfica as it seems after that 4-2 loss.    I don't expect it to be the same. They should be able to eliminate Benfica nicely.
Galatasaray have a chance against Juventus but they need to show us some solid strength. They have a good squad.

PSG will easily beat Monaco. Benfica and Real Madrid will be different this time, Real Madrid will advance. Newcastle will easily eliminate Qarabag. Inter will also beat Bodø/Glimt.
Juventus will easily beat Galatasaray. Dortmund will beat Atalanta. Atletico will beat Club Brugge. Leverkusen will also easily beat Oly. There don't seem to be any surprise matches in these play-off games.

If you think Galatasaray has a chance, try to be impartial. Even though Juve haven't been great this season, they're still a much better team than Galatasaray. Kenan Yıldız alone could determine the outcome of this match-up.

[sokani]

My favourites to advance here: PSG, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Inter, Galatasaray (hopefully), Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen

Real Madrid have an incomplete job to do with Benfica as it seems after that 4-2 loss.    I don't expect it to be the same. They should be able to eliminate Benfica nicely.

Galatasaray have a chance against Juventus but they need to show us some solid strength. They have a good squad.

I'm convinced PSG, Newcastle United, Inter Milan, Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid will make it to the next round. However, I'm skeptical about Real Madrid. The last defeat is still fresh in my memory, and I am still doubtful of Arbeloa's coaching prowess. Benfica might stun Real Madrid again. The other matches, Galatasaray vs Juventus, and Olympiacos vs Leverkusen are pretty open. Any of them can win and make it through to round 16.

[Mrbluntzy]

My favourites to advance here: PSG, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Inter, Galatasaray (hopefully), Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen
Real Madrid have an incomplete job to do with Benfica as it seems after that 4-2 loss.    I don't expect it to be the same. They should be able to eliminate Benfica nicely.
Galatasaray have a chance against Juventus but they need to show us some solid strength. They have a good squad.

PSG will easily beat Monaco. Benfica and Real Madrid will be different this time, Real Madrid will advance. Newcastle will easily eliminate Qarabag. Inter will also beat Bodø/Glimt.
Juventus will easily beat Galatasaray. Dortmund will beat Atalanta. Atletico will beat Club Brugge. Leverkusen will also easily beat Oly. There don't seem to be any surprise matches in these play-off games.

If you think Galatasaray has a chance, try to be impartial. Even though Juve haven't been great this season, they're still a much better team than Galatasaray. Kenan Yıldız alone could determine the outcome of this match-up.

Don't be too quick to conclude this game outcome because this is the UEFEA Champions League and there comes present of uncertainty of results. There are quite good and tougher games to predict in this playoffs. For the game of Benfica vs Real Madrid, that is really one of the tough game to predict. Who do you think is going to win? Well I don't think Real Madrid will have a comfortable win as usual.

Jose Mourinho knows the tactics to implement when he's facing an elite side. Benfica is no average team, they have good players that are determined to win games with ease and not struggling. There are other fixtures but this is the very one I'm much interested in.

[Ruttoshi]

Let me agree with you that Realmdrid will by all means do everything possible to hit the ground running this time of course you know what I meant but let me ask you this question irrespective of the facg that football is unpredictable and their new manager in the picture, are you convinced that the recent form of RealMadrid guarantee them a wining in that match? Let's not forget about the struggles they go through to win matches that would've have been easy for them to win if it were to be the Realmadrid that we use to know earlier before this time, at this point I will not belittle any team, I will be waiting to see what Realmadrid got next before I can say anything.

Real Madrid is my favorite in this game because I believe they have the players and quality it takes to win Fenerbahce because it's gon be a playback time. Madrid problem is their defense if the can hold down their defense, they wouldn't have much challenges.

This is the first time that Real Madrid is struggling to the knockout stage through playoffs though, it's a new method. Fenerbahce should bring back that  spirit of confidence and desperation which they used to win their last match and won the match.

[hyudien]

Champions League I a different game all together and Madrid I belive are very experienced so they can explore that experience hey have and utilise it to get the much they can get from the champions league this season because the league is looking really tough than the usual champions league season they have been used to.

As a team that is always a strong candidate every season, Real Madrid experience is unquestionable when talking about the UCL, but for Arbeloa it is completely different, if as a player, yes of course, but as a coach the results are still biased about what Madrid will be like in the hands of this new coach in the UCL, the pressure of UCL competition and quality opponents is something that he will find difficult to deal with. Whether we'll see a bit of revenge against Benfica or a repeat of the last encounter, let's wait and see.

[KTChampions]

Which team do you think is undisputedly better than Real? Let's say "on paper" you can name one or two, but even these teams are not invulnerable and the playoffs are completely different from a round-robin tournament. It may turn out that those two teams will meet before the final, and Real will advance to the second half of the bracket. If you think there are many teams that will be heavy favorites in games against Real Madrid, then you probably don't follow football at all.

I wouldn’t say there are teams that are unquestionably stronger than Real Madrid. At the same time, I wouldn’t claim that Real Madrid are clearly stronger than everyone else either. Even if a team looks better on paper, knockout matches are a different story — mentality and the ability to handle pressure matter a lot. Real have those qualities, but other top teams do as well. For me, debates about who is stronger in general don’t mean much. What really matters is the match itself, where you find out who is stronger at that moment.

That's right, but he wrote as if Real was already out of the title race (even though it hasn't even started yet haha). It's too early to look at the teams' odds, as the top eight and the rest have different numbers of games. For example, Real Madrid is currently priced at 1:12, while City is 1:7.5, which is nothing more than a circus. First, let's wait until the preliminary playoffs end (there's only one pair where it's unclear who will win), then we can look at the 1/8 draw and assess the chances.