UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Season

[Adbitco]

Well teams like Real Madrid are getting awarded very shady penalties that if you take away Mbappe's penalty goals this season his numbers will drop.
I am old school I want to see players have a high number of goals minus penalties and a team like Real Madrid have now taking the art of depending on penalty that they are getting better at diving.
Mbappe is a good player and penalty is a goal but they are getting much.

Then tell the opponent to stop fouling Real Madrid players in their box, it's that simple. If a player is being fouled in the box, the referee should not award a penalty because it's Real Madrid? I don't even understand this your statement and it makes me wonder if you understand the game. Why are you not also complaining that Real Madrid players are often sent off in games. In the last match against Benfica, Real Madrid had 2 player sent off, why didn't you complain that Real Madrid players get sent off easily? The same way Real Madrid players keeps on committing red card offenses and getting it that's how they will keep on getting penalties if the opponent keeps committing fouls in their box, it's that simple.

[ndutndut]

In my opinion, it will be a particularly nervous and badly played match.
Usually in these games it ends like this, games played in a mean and aggressive way.
I don't know how it will end, but i don't know if it's worth watching if you're not a Real Madrid or Benfica fan.

On the contrary, this game will be an interesting game because real madrid will want to prove a point against this benfica team, and since they are the clear favourite in this game on paper, they knows that they must win, if they want to avoid being mocked by their rival fans.

But since Jose Mourinho is the manager of benfica, that alone carries another point of interest because since he has already gotten the better of real madrid once, I and most football lovers will be curious to know how he is going to approach this game in both legs, and it's because of him, I can't confidently bet on real madrid to qualify to the next round of the competition.

Real Madrid is a team that bounces back easily. They aren't the kind of team that loses their mentality after a defeat. Instead, they will prove they are truly a team that can quickly recover from adversity. Benfica under Mourinho is indeed very impressive especially when facing attacking teams. Mourinho is very adept at dealing with these teams by utilizing counterattacks.

However, it's also important to note that Real Madrid quality is superior to Benfica. With the skills of Real Madrid's players coupled with Arbeloa strategy, I'm confident Real Madrid can get through the playoffs smoothly. Arbeloa will certainly have learned from the previous match where Real Madrid suffered a painful defeat to Benfica. This match will be an interesting one to watch as it will determine Arbeloa future at Real Madrid.

[kriminall]

Well teams like Real Madrid are getting awarded very shady penalties that if you take away Mbappe's penalty goals this season his numbers will drop.
I am old school I want to see players have a high number of goals minus penalties and a team like Real Madrid have now taking the art of depending on penalty that they are getting better at diving.
Mbappe is a good player and penalty is a goal but they are getting much.

Then tell the opponent to stop fouling Real Madrid players in their box, it's that simple. If a player is being fouled in the box, the referee should not award a penalty because it's Real Madrid? I don't even understand this your statement and it makes me wonder if you understand the game. Why are you not also complaining that Real Madrid players are often sent off in games. In the last match against Benfica, Real Madrid had 2 player sent off, why didn't you complain that Real Madrid players get sent off easily? The same way Real Madrid players keeps on committing red card offenses and getting it that's how they will keep on getting penalties if the opponent keeps committing fouls in their box, it's that simple.

Anything is possible in football. Also, if you have a striker like Kylian Mbappé, the opposing defender might be forced to win a penalty. Because he's very difficult to stop, and sometimes defenders get caught off guard and bring Mbappé down. Notice that since Mbappé joined Real Madrid, there have been more penalties, but we also have to say that there have been too many red cards for Real Madrid. I don't think the referees are giving Real Madrid any leeway. In fact, I even see decisions against Real Madrid in some matches.

[Franctoshi]

While it's important to have bigger name clubs at the later stages, it's also boring that we keep seeing the same names as well. I do not remember the last time we had a small club at the finals let alone win this, and that is why we know that we are going to keep seeing the same names over and over again.

Real Madrid not losing here is good for them, they would rather not lose of course and I get the idea, but that doesn't mean that we can't really enjoy it, sure Madrid fans will, but why would I? But if some small team, like Benfica for example barely got in, and if I see them at finals or something? Or even semi finals, it would be a lot more fun because it would be unexpected and that is where the fun starts.

I agree, seeing surprise results can be really fun. Benfica's chances of beating Real Madrid are really low; I don't think they can do it. But what if they do? Then that would be truly enjoyable. In the Champions League, the best teams get the best results.
Squad quality isn't that important; sometimes weaker teams can play brilliantly and eliminate their opponents. That's why football is such a beautiful sport

Benfica isn't a small team that you said they can't win Real Madrid, and besides Real Madrid currently is not in their best of form this season so the probability of them winning is even there compared to before. Any team that made it to the champions League and even to the round of 16 can't be underestimated, and I'm not doing so when it comes to Benfica and Real Madrid game.

[Arenga pinnata]

Anything is possible in football. Also, if you have a striker like Kylian Mbappé, the opposing defender might be forced to win a penalty. Because he's very difficult to stop, and sometimes defenders get caught off guard and bring Mbappé down. Notice that since Mbappé joined Real Madrid, there have been more penalties, but we also have to say that there have been too many red cards for Real Madrid. I don't think the referees are giving Real Madrid any leeway. In fact, I even see decisions against Real Madrid in some matches.

At least all of Real Madrid's opponents will always think the same way, which is that first and foremost, they will always try to stop Mbappe's movements. Because, well, we know this player has extraordinary speed. And allowing him more space will only make it easier for him to score goals. He is similar to Haaland, who is also always closely guarded by opponents. however, as a consequence, opponents are also aware that they might sometimes receivee a red card or face a penalty kick.

Real Madrid also sometimes faces difficulties and their players occasionally receive red cards, as seen in the match against Benfica. So, it's the same for all clubs.

[whiteblue]

Benfica isn't a small team that you said they can't win Real Madrid, and besides Real Madrid currently is not in their best of form this season so the probability of them winning is even there compared to before. Any team that made it to the champions League and even to the round of 16 can't be underestimated, and I'm not doing so when it comes to Benfica and Real Madrid game.

Benfica has shown its performance in the previous round so that it dragged Real Madrid to the qualifying round of the Play Off, it shows that Benfica cannot be underestimated they were able to beat with 4-2 in the previous round, and you are of course right that Real Madrid is not in a very good condition in the near future even though they got a new coach to handle Real Madrid, we should not underestimate both of them if we are not too naive in judging a team, even though many people may not like it because Real Madrid has a good squad and also has a lot of fans who support them totally with their hopes, I hope they can be realistic in their expectations.

[AGogi2003]

Benfica has shown its performance in the previous round so that it dragged Real Madrid to the qualifying round of the Play Off, it shows that Benfica cannot be underestimated they were able to beat with 4-2 in the previous round, and you are of course right that Real Madrid is not in a very good condition in the near future even though they got a new coach to handle Real Madrid, we should not underestimate both of them if we are not too naive in judging a team, even though many people may not like it because Real Madrid has a good squad and also has a lot of fans who support them totally with their hopes, I hope they can be realistic in their expectations.

If you ask me about the game I will said that Benfica really need the match more then real madrid in that moment because if they didn't perform more better then will be automatically eliminated and madrid will still have opportunities to play the playoffs so the game was nice and real madrid didn't perform the way many people that about it. Am sure that real madrid will do everything possible to find a way to defeat Benfica so that he can have the opportunity to qualify to the next round of the Champions League.

Benfica is not a clubs that can stop madrid from not Playing knockout stage, since the match is home and away just know that madrid really need such way. Madrid are playing away first and the second leg will be in madrid home that is the place that they will destroy Benfica and eliminate them from the competition.

[Oshio-man]

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.

Real Madrid signed Mbappe based on his display, and he is still displaying what is making Real Madrid to make progress in different tournaments, there is no match Mbappe will not find his way to their opponent goalpost to score goal that will help their points to increase, if you visit la Liga league table you will see how they are very close to Barcelona that is leading the table which is the help of Real Madrid players but watching other teams also this season, I don't think Real Madrid will be able to win this title from other strong teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Barcelona because those teams are trying their best to make this season different from other season because many of the teams use summer season to acquire their players that is helping their teams to make progress.

[AYOBA]

Real Madrid is a team that bounces back easily. They aren't the kind of team that loses their mentality after a defeat. Instead, they will prove they are truly a team that can quickly recover from adversity. Benfica under Mourinho is indeed very impressive especially when facing attacking teams. Mourinho is very adept at dealing with these teams by utilizing counterattacks.

Real Madrid are trying to bounce back, but there not bouncing back fully. Because up to now their facing some challenges in this champion league and that’s why their still managing 9th place in the table; in some months ago allot where saying that injury is their main problem and now that almost all their players have recovered back from injuries they suppose doing better by now.

However, it's also important to note that Real Madrid quality is superior to Benfica. With the skills of Real Madrid's players coupled with Arbeloa strategy, I'm confident Real Madrid can get through the playoffs smoothly. Arbeloa will certainly have learned from the previous match where Real Madrid suffered a painful defeat to Benfica. This match will be an interesting one to watch as it will determine Arbeloa future at Real Madrid.

There last match against Benfica was very surprising one because I wasn’t expecting Real Madrid to conceding a goal from Benfica, since that day I’m also knows that Benfica are in their best form this season; winning a strong team is not that easy but they make it happen. We can wait and see how their next match will goes against Real Madrid again weather they can still do the same thing.

[khiholangkang]

Anything is possible in football. Also, if you have a striker like Kylian Mbappé, the opposing defender might be forced to win a penalty. Because he's very difficult to stop, and sometimes defenders get caught off guard and bring Mbappé down. Notice that since Mbappé joined Real Madrid, there have been more penalties, but we also have to say that there have been too many red cards for Real Madrid. I don't think the referees are giving Real Madrid any leeway. In fact, I even see decisions against Real Madrid in some matches.

At least all of Real Madrid's opponents will always think the same way, which is that first and foremost, they will always try to stop Mbappe's movements. Because, well, we know this player has extraordinary speed. And allowing him more space will only make it easier for him to score goals. He is similar to Haaland, who is also always closely guarded by opponents. however, as a consequence, opponents are also aware that they might sometimes receivee a red card or face a penalty kick.

Real Madrid also sometimes faces difficulties and their players occasionally receive red cards, as seen in the match against Benfica. So, it's the same for all clubs.

Stopping Mbappe must be with a speed that can be balanced to catch up, have a better body and better height and of course defensive skills that can be combined in order to stop Mbappe if Real Madrid's opposing players do not have that they have to stop it by force, namely with some tackle or breaking the rules so as not to let him freely carry the ball and kick, it has become a must that is done by defensive players, there are always such conditions in facing opponents who have superior abilities on the field, some players who do defense are sometimes forced to do so.

Likewise, Real Madrid has a poor defense this season, they are also not without reason, not just because of emotions, it's just that the defense they do sometimes is in a place they shouldn't do which can be detrimental.

[MorganaX]

Real Madrid is a team that bounces back easily. They aren't the kind of team that loses their mentality after a defeat. Instead, they will prove they are truly a team that can quickly recover from adversity. Benfica under Mourinho is indeed very impressive especially when facing attacking teams. Mourinho is very adept at dealing with these teams by utilizing counterattacks.

Real Madrid are trying to bounce back, but there not bouncing back fully. Because up to now their facing some challenges in this champion league and that’s why their still managing 9th place in the table; in some months ago allot where saying that injury is their main problem and now that almost all their players have recovered back from injuries they suppose doing better by now.

However, it's also important to note that Real Madrid quality is superior to Benfica. With the skills of Real Madrid's players coupled with Arbeloa strategy, I'm confident Real Madrid can get through the playoffs smoothly. Arbeloa will certainly have learned from the previous match where Real Madrid suffered a painful defeat to Benfica. This match will be an interesting one to watch as it will determine Arbeloa future at Real Madrid.

There last match against Benfica was very surprising one because I wasn’t expecting Real Madrid to conceding a goal from Benfica, since that day I’m also knows that Benfica are in their best form this season; winning a strong team is not that easy but they make it happen. We can wait and see how their next match will goes against Real Madrid again weather they can still do the same thing.

To me I won't say that Benfica winning such a match, made them to be a strong side. The game they heard on a match day 8 of the champions league, was a do or die match, of which if they don't win and to score multiple goals they are not going to qualify in the playoffs. Advantage was on their side as they were playing at home and on the other hand, who would not expect Madrid to qualify because they have already done that, just a draw will still keep them to qualify. Real Madrid came just to play as a normal, hoping to the worst is for them to have a draw, this is what affected them the most.
Hoping to see them get a better chance to have a win against Benfica.

[Dzwaafu11]

~snip~

Benfica isn't a small team that you said they can't win Real Madrid, and besides Real Madrid currently is not in their best of form this season so the probability of them winning is even there compared to before. Any team that made it to the champions League and even to the round of 16 can't be underestimated, and I'm not doing so when it comes to Benfica and Real Madrid game.

Benfica is not a weak team. At the same time, Real Madrid is not weak to the point we will give a Benfica a chance of winning Real Madrid easily as you are thinking, this match is a difficult one to predict that is just one thing I see in this match. Because this is very important match for Real Madrid to win.

and I believe they will do everything possible to see that they succeed in this match, anything can happen it’s a football and a team we expect to lose can win at time. So we should underestimate any of this club s both Real Madrid and Benfica, Let see what will happen. 

[MorganaX]

~snip~

Benfica isn't a small team that you said they can't win Real Madrid, and besides Real Madrid currently is not in their best of form this season so the probability of them winning is even there compared to before. Any team that made it to the champions League and even to the round of 16 can't be underestimated, and I'm not doing so when it comes to Benfica and Real Madrid game.

Benfica is not a weak team. At the same time, Real Madrid is not weak to the point we will give a Benfica a chance of winning Real Madrid easily as you are thinking, this match is a difficult one to predict that is just one thing I see in this match. Because this is very important match for Real Madrid to win.

and I believe they will do everything possible to see that they succeed in this match, anything can happen it’s a football and a team we expect to lose can win at time. So we should underestimate any of this club s both Real Madrid and Benfica, Let see what will happen. 

From the MD8 and how the game ended, with Benfica having the win. We can use this to predict the game they have against Real Madrid in the play off. Real Madrid is a team I know, no matter how they are not performing very well, they can never allow such teams like this to come against them twice, I believe they will fight in everything they could to have the win against Benfica. I know it will not be an easy one as Benfica will also fight back.

[whiteblue]

Benfica has shown its performance in the previous round so that it dragged Real Madrid to the qualifying round of the Play Off, it shows that Benfica cannot be underestimated they were able to beat with 4-2 in the previous round, and you are of course right that Real Madrid is not in a very good condition in the near future even though they got a new coach to handle Real Madrid, we should not underestimate both of them if we are not too naive in judging a team, even though many people may not like it because Real Madrid has a good squad and also has a lot of fans who support them totally with their hopes, I hope they can be realistic in their expectations.

If you ask me about the game I will said that Benfica really need the match more then real madrid in that moment because if they didn't perform more better then will be automatically eliminated and madrid will still have opportunities to play the playoffs so the game was nice and real madrid didn't perform the way many people that about it. Am sure that real madrid will do everything possible to find a way to defeat Benfica so that he can have the opportunity to qualify to the next round of the Champions League.

Benfica is not a clubs that can stop madrid from not Playing knockout stage, since the match is home and away just know that madrid really need such way. Madrid are playing away first and the second leg will be in madrid home that is the place that they will destroy Benfica and eliminate them from the competition.

Real Madrid also needs that match, my friend. They're playing very seriously, because the defeat they fear is like this, entering the qualifying play-offs. If they win, they'll immediately be in the top 8 and feel more at ease.
They meet again after the qualifying round yesterday and today, and they have two legs to overcome. The home and away match will be very exciting. However, previous assessments suggest Benfica can beat Real Madrid. Although we realize they still have a higher percentage of wins against Real Madrid, we can't close our eyes to the possibility of them losing.

[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.

With the number of goals Mbappe has already scored in the Champions League group stage matches, he has a good chance of breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's Champions League goal record of most goals in a single Champions League, but Real Madrid have to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League before Mbappe could be able to break the record.

[$crypto$]

The last time there was a real surprise was in 2004 when Porto won the Champions League. I doubt we will see something like that anytime soon again. It's crazy how long it took PSG to finally win the title despite their outrageous investments. Smaller clubs can't ever get there.

It is difficult for small clubs to reach the final let alone as Champions League champions, at least clubs like this only reach the semifinals that are rare --- still after almost reaching the top it is all controlled by other top teams, especially Real Madrid as the most trophy team because they have spent a lot of money to buy expensive players, as well as PSG, by bringing in Neymar and Messi still cannot win when they are still there.

[Cryptoprincess101]

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.

Records are meant to be broken because if they are not broken it will only mean that people are not working hard enough to create a history. Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record of most goals in a single champion's league season, but that record is about to be broken by Kylian Mbappe who has been outstanding in goal scoring. Kylian Mbappe will surely break the record of most goals in a single champions League season and it's lovely to see that there are people who are eagerly ready to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in achievements and continue from where they stopped.

[Egii Nna]

Benfica isn't a small team that you said they can't win Real Madrid, and besides Real Madrid currently is not in their best of form this season so the probability of them winning is even there compared to before. Any team that made it to the champions League and even to the round of 16 can't be underestimated, and I'm not doing so when it comes to Benfica and Real Madrid game.

This is a game that everyone will have his own perception about until the day they play the first leg. There is a possibility of Benfica winning, no doubt about that, as it is a home game for them. From all indications, Real Madrid are finding it hard to change their performance, as they have been underperforming. But still, do not underestimate Real Madrid in the Champions League, as anything can happen at any time. We all know that Real Madrid are not at their best performance, but they can still surprise us on the pitch. That is why we still have to respect them, no matter what, and wait to witness the game before we can conclude who will make it to the round of 16.

[Nheer]

~snip~

Benfica isn't a small team that you said they can't win Real Madrid, and besides Real Madrid currently is not in their best of form this season so the probability of them winning is even there compared to before. Any team that made it to the champions League and even to the round of 16 can't be underestimated, and I'm not doing so when it comes to Benfica and Real Madrid game.

Benfica is not a weak team. At the same time, Real Madrid is not weak to the point we will give a Benfica a chance of winning Real Madrid easily as you are thinking, this match is a difficult one to predict that is just one thing I see in this match. Because this is very important match for Real Madrid to win.

and I believe they will do everything possible to see that they succeed in this match, anything can happen it’s a football and a team we expect to lose can win at time. So we should underestimate any of this club s both Real Madrid and Benfica, Let see what will happen. 

We've been on this discussion for a long time now but I guess until the match is played before we know who will win the game.

This is not even supposed to be a discussion if Real Madrid haven't already lost to Benfica in the group stage games but because they lost to Benfica people are doubting them in the game. I don't blame people but I blame Real Madrid for giving people opportunity to doubt them. Teams like Bayern Munich and Arsenal didn't give anyone chance to doubt them and no one is underrating them.

Real Madrid will not want to exit the competition so early and also they won't want a team like Benfica be the reason they exit early, it wouldn't look appropriate at all. As you said anything can happen so if Real Madrid really want to remain in the competition they need to put in all the efforts they can so they win.

[GiftedMAN]

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.

Real Madrid signed Mbappe based on his display, and he is still displaying what is making Real Madrid to make progress in different tournaments, there is no match Mbappe will not find his way to their opponent goalpost to score goal that will help their points to increase, if you visit la Liga league table you will see how they are very close to Barcelona that is leading the table which is the help of Real Madrid players but watching other teams also this season, I don't think Real Madrid will be able to win this title from other strong teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Barcelona because those teams are trying their best to make this season different from other season because many of the teams use summer season to acquire their players that is helping their teams to make progress.

I see people's comment on social media about him being the major problem of Madrid currently and the team is not performing at their full potential since he switched from PSG to Madrid. I would've agreed to that if Mbappé wasn't banging goals or performs well in every match day, he gives his best to help the team and manage to score even it seems very tough for them, Mbappé is the best player in Madrid currently and there's no debate about that.