UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Season

[Lillominato89]

For Benfica, Real Madrid may leave us with surprise that we are to learn from that Real Madrid wouldn't qualify for the next round of the Champions League(their journey ends with Benfica)

This benfica vs real madrid game is very much open because one nil lead can easily be cancelled if benfica can get an early lead at Santiago bernabéu, and with the lackluster performance of real madrid in the league title race match against osasuna, it's crystal clear that real madrid is still not in their best form, so they actually needs to step up their game against benfica in order not to get the shocker of their lives, because in football anything can happen.
As for benfica, they knows that if they want to stand a chance of eliminating real madrid from this playoff game, they must win real madrid at the Santiago bernabéu, so they needs to come attacking from the very start of the game.

I wish all the best to Benfica but usually Mourinho's teams are not great when they have to score many goals, simply it's not his way of playing. Sure, sometimes he chooses to play with a very aggressive team but that happens while playing at home and usually when he has the best team. In this case Benfica are the underdogs and they are also playing away so maybe I expect more a psychological game with the hope of a last-minute goal and then see what happens in the extra time. I don't believe Benfica will go to the Bernabeu with the idea of scoring 2 goals during the regular time.

I believe that Benfica will go to the Bernabeu to play the game of their lives. They are already one goal down, but the feat could be achievable if they attack their opponents right from the start. Playing with the hope of scoring a goal at the end of the game puts a strain on Benfica's defence, which will have to work overtime throughout the match.
That said, however, I don't think Real Madrid will just sit back and watch their opponents.

[Adams0001]

UEFA has decided to suspend Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for the second leg of the champions league against Real Madrid. Although UEFA is still investigating the incident, but they thought it wise to suspend Gianluca Prestianni for the match to avoid any further escalation of the matter. You know football fans can act funny sometimes, if they allow him to play, Real Madrid fans and players might target him in that match. Personally I believe it's a welcome development, even though some people are agitating that Vini Jr should also be suspended since it was the two of them that was involved in the controversy and investigation still ongoing.

That will be much better if they can suspend vini Jr and prestianni in the second leg of the Champions League, but fifa check that Real Madrid are playing at home and Benfica player is the one that they are suspecting of the incident so vini r don't have any issues that why they didn't suspend him in the game.

I don't know why if a player is skin is dark, they will start to insulting the players because the skins is black and I like what UEFA is doing if he continues suspending the players that are bringing such problems in football everything will go smoothly in the future. Let just watch how the second leg will ends and Real madrid have one goal advantage an now that they are playing at home they will surly do everything to ad more goals and qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

[ILuckyGuyI]

The 2nd leg games are near. Here is the fixtures!



The 4 games above are going to be played tomorrow. The 4 below are on Wednesday. I think all the clubs - except Bodø/Glimt - that won the 1st leg will advance. Among the remaining ones, I believe Atletico and Inter will also make it!

Inter have a more difficult job on paper. But Bodø/Glimt is really not a club that they can't beat by at least a 2-goal difference at home. I respect their win at home of course.

But the conditions of their pitch can't also be overlooked. It gives them an advantage against clubs that aren't used to playing on artificial turf.  

[letteredhub]

Even with that poor result in the first leg against Club Brugge in Belgium Atletico Madrid still holds a slight advantage considering that the second leg would be played at Atletico's home in Spain, all they need to do is to ensure that they avoid conceding much goals so as not give any chance to the Belgian team, if Atletico aren't defensive minded in the second leg it might cost them their chance of qualifying for the next round because club brugge are capable of scoring multiple goals if given the chance due to their ability to create goal scoring chances.

A draw is enough to give Atletico Madrid an advantage, as the second leg will be played at home, giving them a significant chance. Simeone in this case, will certainly not give Brugge too much space to score. After the tight first leg, this will undoubtedly be a lesson learned and they will need to strengthen their defense.

Brugge ain't coming to Spain to play for a draw and it wouldn't be right for Atletico Madrid to think of settling for a draw in the game, particularly they're the home team and should play with much confidence of winning than draw because like I earlier stated that Club Brugge are a goal scoring side and anything that makes Atletico relying on defensive counter-attack it might actually put pressure on their defense and can lead to them conceding to the visitors.

[red4slash]

UEFA has decided to suspend Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for the second leg of the champions league against Real Madrid. Although UEFA is still investigating the incident, but they thought it wise to suspend Gianluca Prestianni for the match to avoid any further escalation of the matter. You know football fans can act funny sometimes, if they allow him to play, Real Madrid fans and players might target him in that match. Personally I believe it's a welcome development, even though some people are agitating that Vini Jr should also be suspended since it was the two of them that was involved in the controversy and investigation still ongoing.

That will be much better if they can suspend vini Jr and prestianni in the second leg of the Champions League, but fifa check that Real Madrid are playing at home and Benfica player is the one that they are suspecting of the incident so vini r don't have any issues that why they didn't suspend him in the game.

I don't know why if a player is skin is dark, they will start to insulting the players because the skins is black and I like what UEFA is doing if he continues suspending the players that are bringing such problems in football everything will go smoothly in the future. Let just watch how the second leg will ends and Real madrid have one goal advantage an now that they are playing at home they will surly do everything to ad more goals and qualify for the next round of the Champions League.

It would be funny if Vini was also suspended for the second leg because after all he's a victim and it's not the first time he's been subjected to racism but the sanctions against racists are still not really commensurate with his actions.

If the alibi is just because he celebrated the goal he scored it's also ridiculous because it's not the first time we've seen such a celebration and why is the treatment different when Vini did it.
Although the investigation is still ongoing but given the reaction of some of the players and the referee's decision to stop the match I think the indications are clear that racism took place.

Football has always been known for its fair play and it would be ridiculous if racism still had to happen in this modern era.

[MorganaX]

The 2nd leg games are near. Here is the fixtures!



The 4 games above are going to be played tomorrow. The 4 below are on Wednesday. I think all the clubs - except Bodø/Glimt - that won the 1st leg will advance. Among the remaining ones, I believe Atletico and Inter will also make it!

Inter have a more difficult job on paper. But Bodø/Glimt is really not a club that they can't beat by at least a 2-goal difference at home. I respect their win at home of course.

But the conditions of their pitch can't also be overlooked. It gives them an advantage against clubs that aren't used to playing on artificial turf.  

We can tell that inter playing at home have more advantage in this game, but to be honest it will be a very difficult game I guess, it will never be an easy one for inter. This season with the way Bodø/G has been performing we can tell that they are really performing so well, to the point that they can beat big teams, and of which they have done it this season. So inter coming to play them with scoring more goals even though they are playing at home will be very difficult.
The home advantage is a big one for them, and if they want to outclassed Bodø, they need to put on everything they have on the pitch in tomorrow's game

[skarais]

~~~

I believe that Benfica will go to the Bernabeu to play the game of their lives. They are already one goal down, but the feat could be achievable if they attack their opponents right from the start. Playing with the hope of scoring a goal at the end of the game puts a strain on Benfica's defence, which will have to work overtime throughout the match.
That said, however, I don't think Real Madrid will just sit back and watch their opponents.

I don't think Benfica have lost all chances of qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 this season, but the problem is that winning at the Bernabeu is very difficult. I'm not underestimating Benfica's ability and strength at the Bernabeu, but Real Madrid have better squad depth and they're playing at home. Real Madrid have almost always managed to maximize their home advantage in the second leg of the Champions League, even if Benfica come with high hopes, victory is basically very difficult.

This time I'm backing Real Madrid to secure a place in the Champions League round of 16, but I don't want to underestimate Benfica either. Benfica could have won at the Bernabeu if they had been truly solid as a team, both defensively and in building attacks. It would be a huge success if Benfica were able to qualify for the round of 16, this is clearly the final match for them for a ticket to the round of 16.

[Mate2237]

To be honest with at this stage of the competition were it's a winner takes it all no team should be underrated no matter how small that such team may be. If Bodo Blink can do it at home who told you that they can't do it at away. This season champions League there has been some surprising packages and Bodo Blink happens to be one of the surprise package in this seasons champions League.

But at this stage of the competition Inter Milan is condemned to win and they have to win with a wide margin because any short of at least a two goals victory will see Inter Milan leaving the champions League, and that is one thing that will be embarrassing to Italian football because even this loss has brought inter Milan to be shame as many followers of the Seria A was disappointed by the fact that inter Milan could use to a side like this .

[Furious 7]

I believe that Benfica will go to the Bernabeu to play the game of their lives. They are already one goal down, but the feat could be achievable if they attack their opponents right from the start. Playing with the hope of scoring a goal at the end of the game puts a strain on Benfica's defence, which will have to work overtime throughout the match.
That said, however, I don't think Real Madrid will just sit back and watch their opponents.

Their play in the league phase for the last game against Madrid was very good but this time it will be a little different because in addition to playing away at the Bernabeu, this match does not seem to be about who will qualify for the next phase especially after the incident in the first leg that made more attention to Vini and Prestianni made this drama even more heated.

Their chances are still there especially since 1 goal is not too far away on aggregate but this is Madrid even though they are still unstable in terms of performance still they cannot still be a better favorite than Benfica with their current status.
Madrid's defeat in La Liga will slightly disturb their optimism but I am still quite sure they can still qualify for the knock out phase and eliminate Benfica in the play off.

[Pjcr7]

Mere looking at this image there's absolutely nothing wrong with, infact it's good for a team to hope for a comeback and it will even be more appealing if a comeback is achieved against a team like Real Madrid. Benfica lost the first leg at home and are hoping to turn things around in front of Real Madrid fans which will be memorable both for them and football too.

You can clearly see them slipping away and with them a Royal crown which belongs to Real Madrid again it's not a bad thing to hope for a comeback, it's just 1:0 afterall Barcelona is hoping for a Remontada against Atletico De Madrid. But hidden in this image is clear signs of racism shown all over it. If you zoom into the picture where you see that cross belt that's hold the arrow, you will see three images of a monkeys face. It's no coincidence that's this cryptic image was released after what happened in the first leg. I'm so disappointed at Benfica because this was posted in there X account. Did they think people won't take notice of it or they are simply showing that yes, they are really racist.

[Abdulzuruku01]

Real Madrid won the first match, but the difference wasn't huge. Benfica can easily turn this to their advantage. They just need to score an early goal to make Real Madrid panic. In that case, Real Madrid will press harder to score, and Benfica could find a second goal through counter-attacks. I think the match will be competitive. It won't be a simple game dominated by Real Madrid. Benfica will do their best, just like they did in the match where Trubin scored to take them to the playoffs.

If Benfica can score an early goal at Bernabeu Stadium, it's going be a big problem for Real Madrid because of how solid Benfica is in defense. I know Real Madrid has a higher chance of winning, especially since they will be playing at home but I'm still hopeful for Benfica to come out on top in this game because I believe they will do their best and give Real Madrid a tough challenge.

I think the most interesting games tomorrow are Inter vs Bodo and Atletico vs Club Brugges.

Inter have a lot of work to do if they are to turn that tie round, 3-1 down against a team that has been getting big scalps in the CL.

My other focus is on Atletico, I will be hoping Brugges can pull off something special.

From the look of things I'm expecting Atletico Madrid to win Club Bruge tomorrow, because they don't have much hope for winning their home league again, which I'm very sure they will do everything possible to avoid elimination in this playoff. But for Bodo/Glimt game with Inter Milan, honestly I don't think Inter Milan can do anything, their biggest mistake was letting Bodo defeat them 3-1, it seems Inter forgot this boys are a threat to big teams in the Champions League this season.

[7juju]

UEFA has decided to suspend Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for the second leg of the champions league against Real Madrid. Although UEFA is still investigating the incident, but they thought it wise to suspend Gianluca Prestianni for the match to avoid any further escalation of the matter. You know football fans can act funny sometimes, if they allow him to play, Real Madrid fans and players might target him in that match. Personally I believe it's a welcome development, even though some people are agitating that Vini Jr should also be suspended since it was the two of them that was involved in the controversy and investigation still ongoing.

Saw the news now, so relieved to know the racist Prestianni is to be absent against Real Madrid. His presences will cause a lot of drama in the second leg and UEFA is trying to avoid it. However, the no further punishment was giving to him, that I do not like. UEFA must come up with a general rule for anyone who keep saying racist words in football. I cant believe we still talk about racism in football. But im not surprised because racism is everywhere, here it is also. Meanwhile we all die, our color don't make us invisible to death, those thinking they are of better complexion, still eat, give birth and die with the same process.

UEFA is not done with the punishment, they are still doing their investigation which according to news will last up to 3 weeks before the investigations will be concluded, so the full punishment will be known when the full investigations are complete. This particular suspension is just to maintain normalcy in the upcoming match. Like Vinicius said in the statement he released after the incident happened, he said racists are cowards and I kind of agree with him. When the full investigations are completed I will be more than happy to hear the level of his sanctions.

[AGogi2003]

I believe that Benfica will go to the Bernabeu to play the game of their lives. They are already one goal down, but the feat could be achievable if they attack their opponents right from the start. Playing with the hope of scoring a goal at the end of the game puts a strain on Benfica's defence, which will have to work overtime throughout the match.
That said, however, I don't think Real Madrid will just sit back and watch their opponents.

This will be the toughest match to watch this middle week because Benfica will be ready to challenge real madrid at home and see if they can get the opportunity to qualify for the next round, but that will be very difficult for Benfica to get the victory in real madrid home that will be tough but anything can happen in football because even in the group stage Benfica shock us and make real madrid play the playoffs and make them struggle to qualify so let see how things will go this time around and see who will get the opportunity to move the next round. And Athletico Madrid and club brugge will be another tough game because in the first leg the game ends in a draw and ATM is playing at home Tomorrow we will see how the games will goes.

[snipie]

UEFA is not done with the punishment, they are still doing their investigation which according to news will last up to 3 weeks before the investigations will be concluded, so the full punishment will be known when the full investigations are complete. This particular suspension is just to maintain normalcy in the upcoming match. Like Vinicius said in the statement he released after the incident happened, he said racists are cowards and I kind of agree with him. When the full investigations are completed I will be more than happy to hear the level of his sanctions.

UEFA is not doing enough efforts to stop such situations from happening. Many known players were victims of racism and slurs on them and their families. Zidane famous incident, Umtiti, Balotelli, Maignan and many others faced such situations at a point automatic forfeit was suggested and sanctions were done but their effect is not palpable. Fining the team or the player is not a solution. Firing him for a game or two is not a solution. I am talking about more severe sanctions, even firing him for 3 years or more or indefinitely if it was repeated once again.

[Stablexcoin]

Brugge ain't coming to Spain to play for a draw and it wouldn't be right for Atletico Madrid to think of settling for a draw in the game, particularly they're the home team and should play with much confidence of winning than draw because like I earlier stated that Club Brugge are a goal scoring side and anything that makes Atletico relying on defensive counter-attack it might actually put pressure on their defense and can lead to them conceding to the visitors.

Atletico Madrid are winning against Club Brugge, the last away game at Brugge own stadium was a very good competition they stirred there, playing Atletico ground makes it difficult for them to succeed. This is the Champions league, any team playing home is considered the tough side, the confidence and support from the fans was what motivated Brugge to tie the score, the reverse being the case, Atletico will have their own home support which will make them very outstanding than how they performed in the first leg.

[wakier]

Given Real Madrid's current situation and Benfica know this very well, they have a real chance of losing.
However, knowing the "character" of Real Madrid, he will not easily leave the field to Benfica and therefore will not give up an easy victory, it is a really difficult match to predict, there are conflicting opinions, I think Real Madrid will lose, but I have a feeling that this thought of mine is wrong and could surprise me, I will almost certainly not place a bet, if I do I think in Live. Really too difficult.

Well, everyone with their own point of view on this match. I have the confidence that Real Madrid will win Benfica in Bernabeu and qualify to the next stage of the Champions League. Benfica is too small to stop Real Madrid from qualifying to the next round because it hasn't happened in their history. It will be a big shock to me if something like this happen.

Too small? But why was Real Madrid ever defeated by Benfica with a crushing score? Is it a mistake? Yes, I know it's almost impossible for Real Madrid to be eliminated early in the Champions League because Real Madrid is the most awaited team in UCL but it is not impossible that it could happen. Moreover Real Madrid only scored 1 goal in the first leg which means Benfica still has hope to turn things around but it's more difficult because this match will be held at Real Madrid home I also hope Madrid wins so as not to embarrass they fans.

[katanic97]

Italian football got some unexpected results this week. Napoli were already eliminated in the league phase. Yesterday Juventus and Atalanta lost and today Inter lost. Most likely none of them will make it through in the Champions League.

The top 8 was filled by English teams. If the Italian teams get knocked out in the play-off stage, they won't have any teams left in the round of 16. It'd be a huge surprise if Inter get eliminated at this stage as the last finalist. They'll have a tough job in the second leg.

I know i’m replying to this a bit late, but I just wanted to touch on Napoli. In the meantime, they played against Roma and Atalanta and picked up only one point from those two matches. They started the UCL well, but after some serious injuries to key first team players,Conte had to improvise and work with what he had.Unfortunately, they were knocked out of the UCL. In the league they’re still holding onto third place, but i’m sure that if the squad had stayed together like at the start of the season, things would look very different now..

[odunybiz]

Real Madrid won the first match, but the difference wasn't huge. Benfica can easily turn this to their advantage. They just need to score an early goal to make Real Madrid panic. In that case, Real Madrid will press harder to score, and Benfica could find a second goal through counter-attacks. I think the match will be competitive. It won't be a simple game dominated by Real Madrid. Benfica will do their best, just like they did in the match where Trubin scored to take them to the playoffs.

If Benfica can score an early goal at Bernabeu Stadium, it's going be a big problem for Real Madrid because of how solid Benfica is in defense. I know Real Madrid has a higher chance of winning, especially since they will be playing at home but I'm still hopeful for Benfica to come out on top in this game because I believe they will do their best and give Real Madrid a tough challenge.

I think the most interesting games tomorrow are Inter vs Bodo and Atletico vs Club Brugges.

Inter have a lot of work to do if they are to turn that tie round, 3-1 down against a team that has been getting big scalps in the CL.

My other focus is on Atletico, I will be hoping Brugges can pull off something special.

From the look of things I'm expecting Atletico Madrid to win Club Bruge tomorrow, because they don't have much hope for winning their home league again, which I'm very sure they will do everything possible to avoid elimination in this playoff.

I never see Atletico Madrid dreaming of collecting their league title with this their inconsistent in the first place. The league title is between Barca and Real Madrid. Although Atletico may not go far in the UCL but I never expect them to be out so soon so they will try to do all possible things to secure a win at their own home

But for Bodo/Glimt game with Inter Milan, honestly I don't think Inter Milan can do anything, their biggest mistake was letting Bodo defeat them 3-1, it seems Inter forgot this boys are a threat to big teams in the Champions League this season.

This is football, don't be surprise if inter win with a big margin tomorrow since they are playing at home. I surely know Inter will win the match but how long will the winning success be.

[$weetne$$]

Atletico Madrid are winning against Club Brugge, the last away game at Brugge own stadium was a very good competition they stirred there, playing Atletico ground makes it difficult for them to succeed. This is the Champions league, any team playing home is considered the tough side, the confidence and support from the fans was what motivated Brugge to tie the score, the reverse being the case, Atletico will have their own home support which will make them very outstanding than how they performed in the first leg.

Atletico is a tough side that will not want club brugge to stay ahead of them at any point, even without the home advantage, we have seen how well Atletico has been performing this season and so the chances for them actually does remains higher against club Burgge but then it will not be such an easy one as Brugge is not an easy side too.

[Woodie]

The 2nd leg games are near. Here is the fixtures!

Time is really flying, it's already that time of the week we get to watch some champions league football..

And after this round of games, I expect most of these teams to be dropping points in their domestic leagues as players will be tired, some will have their superstars picking knocks and won't be mentally ready.. but let's wait and see how this unfolds.

Waiting for Real Madrid Vs Benfica and probably the Bodo game..