Nineteen days after a dramatic encounter in Lisbon, Real Madrid return to the Estádio da Luz seeking to salvage their Champions League campaign. The initial clash, a 4-2 defeat, saw Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin score a stunning 98th-minute header, propelling his team into the playoff round and leaving Real Madrid facing a second chance to secure a place in the last 16.
The January 28th match was more than just a result; it was a seismic event that reshaped the landscape of the competition. While Trubin’s goal secured Benfica’s 24th-place finish in the league phase, it initially deepened the sense of “shame,” as Kylian Mbappé termed it, for Real Madrid. However, the defeat ultimately landed them in the playoff round, offering an unexpected opportunity for redemption.
Since that fateful night, Real Madrid have seemingly regained their footing, winning three consecutive La Liga matches against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, and Real Sociedad. This run of form has propelled them to the top of the league table, though Barcelona still have a game in hand as of .
Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad was particularly noteworthy. Gonzalo García opened the scoring, with Vinícius Júnior adding a brace and Fede Valverde netting his first goal of the season. The performance was accompanied by a noticeable shift in atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu, with whistles replaced by applause, signaling a tentative reconciliation between the team and its supporters.
However, the resurgence should be viewed with caution. Two of Madrid’s four goals against Real Sociedad came from penalties, raising questions about the manner of their victories. Real Sociedad were depleted, missing five starters due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Kylian Mbappé, sidelined with a knee injury, also remains a concern.
The return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to the starting lineup also provided a boost. Making his first start in 73 days, he delivered a stunning assist for García’s opening goal, described as a “sweetie” waiting to be scored. His delivery was lauded for its precision and ability to unlock the opposition defense.
Manager Arbeloa emphasized the importance of learning from the previous encounter, acknowledging the difficulty that awaits them in Lisbon. “I hope history isn’t repeated,” he said. “We go there forewarned; it’s very recent and we know how difficult it will be.”
The upcoming tie also carries a personal dimension, pitting Real Madrid against former coach José Mourinho, now at the helm of Benfica. This rematch adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling contest. The playoff draw, confirmed on , sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown between two European giants.
Benfica’s recent success against Real Madrid – having won three of their four previous encounters, including the 1962 European Cup final – further complicates matters for the Spanish side. The Portuguese team will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage and continue their impressive record against their rivals.
The broader Champions League playoff picture also features several other intriguing matchups. Paris Saint-Germain will face a domestic clash against AS Monaco, while Borussia Dortmund will take on Atalanta. Juventus will battle Galatasaray, and Atlético Madrid will face Club Brugge. These two-legged ties will be played on and .
The stakes are high for all involved, with a place in the round of 16 on the line. For Real Madrid, the rematch against Benfica represents a chance to redeem themselves and avoid an embarrassing early exit from the competition. The outcome will not only determine their fate in the Champions League but also offer a significant test of their resilience and character.
The dramatic events of the league phase, culminating in Trubin’s unforgettable goal, have underscored the unpredictable nature of European football. As Real Madrid prepare to return to Lisbon, they will be acutely aware that anything can happen in this competition, and that a second chance does not guarantee success.
