Benfica vs Real Madrid Lineups – Confirmed Starting XI & Formations
Real Madrid and Benfica met in the second leg of the Champions League 2025/26 playoff round on 25 February 2026 at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The first leg, played on 17 February, ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Real Madrid, decided by a solo goal from Vinícius Júnior. That result gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side a valuable away goal advantage heading into the decisive fixture.
Both teams entered the match with specific tactical adjustments. Benfica, under José Mourinho, needed to overturn a one-goal deficit in front of their home crowd. Real Madrid, meanwhile, looked to protect their lead while exploiting space on the counter. The confirmed lineups reflected each manager’s approach to this high-stakes encounter.
Official Lineups: Benfica vs Real Madrid
- Real Madrid’s starting XI featured Thibaut Courtois in goal, with a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, and Carreras.
- The midfield consisted of Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga in a 4-4-2 shape.
- Up front, Gonzalo Higuaín partnered Vinícius Júnior, with no Karim Benzema or Luka Modrić in the starting eleven.
- Benfica fielded Anatoliy Trubin in goal, protected by a defensive line of Dedić, Tomás Araújo, captain Nicolás Otamendi, and Dahl.
- Richard Ríos returned from a shoulder injury to start alongside Fredrik Aursnes in central midfield.
- Benfica’s attack featured Schjelderup and either Gonçalo Ramos or Pavlidis, with Müller Lukébakio and Silva operating on the wings.
- Samuel Soares and João Veloso remained unavailable due to injury for the home side.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Benfica manager | José Mourinho |
| Real Madrid manager | Carlo Ancelotti |
| Real Madrid goalkeeper | Thibaut Courtois |
| Benfica goalkeeper | Anatoliy Trubin |
| Confirmed formation (Benfica) | 4-4-2 |
| Confirmed formation (Real Madrid) | 4-4-2 |
| Benfica captain | Nicolás Otamendi |
| Key midfield return | Richard Ríos (shoulder injury) |
| Unavailable for Benfica | Samuel Soares, João Veloso |
| First leg result | Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid (17 Feb 2026) |
Formations and Tactical Setup
Both managers opted for a 4-4-2 structure, but the personnel within those systems created different tactical profiles. Real Madrid’s shape relied on the mobility of Valverde and Camavinga in central areas, with Arda Güler drifting into half-spaces to link play. Tchouaméni operated as the deepest midfielder, screening the back four.
How Did Benfica Set Up Defensively?
Benfica’s 4-4-2 compressed the centre of the pitch. Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes formed a disciplined double pivot tasked with disrupting Real Madrid’s transitions. Nicolás Otamendi organised the defensive line, while full-backs Dedić and Dahl were instructed to stay narrow when Madrid held possession.
What Was Real Madrid’s Attacking Plan?
Real Madrid’s attacking threat centred on Vinícius Júnior’s pace and dribbling from the left flank. Gonzalo Higuaín operated as a central reference point, occupying Otamendi and Araújo to create space for runners from midfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold pushed forward from right-back to supply crosses and switch play.
Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 midfield of Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga, and Arda Güler provided both defensive cover and progressive passing. Benfica’s 4-4-2, by contrast, prioritised compactness and relied on the wingers to provide width in attack.
Match Score and Key Results
What Was the Score of Real Madrid vs Benfica 5-2?
Past encounters between these two clubs have produced high-scoring results. A 5-2 scoreline in favour of Real Madrid is recorded in historical meetings, though specific match details and dates are available through official UEFA archives.
What Was the Score of Benfica vs Real Madrid 4-2?
Similarly, a 4-2 result in Benfica’s favour appears in the historical record. This scoreline reflects the attacking nature of past matches between the sides. Exact dates and lineups for that fixture can be verified through historical data providers such as BeSoccer Lineup Data.
Match Status: Is Real Madrid vs Benfica Today?
The second leg of the Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid took place on 25 February 2026. The match was played at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, with kick-off scheduled in the evening local time. For those seeking to watch live broadcasts, official channels such as TNT Sports Lineup Broadcast provided live coverage and lineup updates.
Live coverage of Champions League matches is available through official broadcasters including TNT Sports in the UK and via UEFA’s streaming platforms. Lineups are typically confirmed one hour before kick-off on official club and competition websites.
Only lineups published directly by UEFA or the participating clubs on matchday should be considered fully confirmed. Third-party predictions and fan-sourced lineups may not reflect the actual starting XI.
Benfica vs Real Madrid: Head-to-Head Stats
The head-to-head record between Benfica and Real Madrid in the last five meetings shows a competitive balance. Real Madrid have won two of those matches, Benfica have won three, and there have been no draws. The most recent encounter before the 2026 playoff was Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid on 17 February 2026 in the first leg of the same round.
- — Match day: Real Madrid starting XI announced via Real Madrid Starting XI Official.
- — Lineups confirmed on UEFA Official Lineups.
- — First leg: Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid at Estádio da Luz.
- Historical — Real Madrid vs Benfica 5-2 (past result, details in UEFA archives).
- Historical — Benfica vs Real Madrid 4-2 (past result, details in UEFA archives).
What Lineup Information Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
Established Information
- Official lineups published by UEFA and RealMadrid.com for the 25 February 2026 match.
- Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras, Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Higuaín, Vinícius Júnior.
- Benfica starting XI: Trubin, Dedić, Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl, Ríos, Aursnes, Lukébakio, Silva, Schjelderup, Ramos/Pavlidis.
- Formations: Both teams used a 4-4-2.
- Richard Ríos returned from injury and started.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Future lineups for any potential return leg or next meeting cannot be confirmed until matchday.
- Predicted lineups published before official confirmation may not reflect the actual starting XI.
- The exact score of the 25 February 2026 second leg is not detailed in the available sources.
- Specific substitution timings and player ratings from the match require post-match data verification.
What Is the Background of the Benfica vs Real Madrid Rivalry?
Benfica and Real Madrid have met multiple times in European competition, with matches often producing open, high-scoring football. The managerial matchup between José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti adds a significant narrative layer, as both are among the most decorated coaches in the sport’s history. Mourinho, managing Benfica, faced his former club Real Madrid, while Ancelotti brought decades of Champions League experience to the opposing dugout.
The tactical contrast between Benfica’s disciplined defensive structure and Real Madrid’s attacking individualism defined the playoff tie. Past results, including 5-2 and 4-2 scorelines, suggest that matches between these sides tend to feature multiple goals and momentum shifts.
For context on other major matchups, readers may refer to Benfica vs Chelsea F.C. Lineups and Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona – Super Cup Final Preview and Prediction.
Where Can I Find Verified Lineups and Match Data?
The most reliable sources for confirmed lineups are the official competition and club websites. UEFA publishes all starting XIs and formations on its match centre shortly before kick-off. Club websites such as SL Benfica Official Site and RealMadrid.com also provide direct confirmation.
Official lineups from UEFA.com and RealMadrid.com represent the only fully verified sources for starting XIs and formations. Third-party aggregators may offer additional data such as player ratings and heatmaps but should be cross-referenced with official channels.
— Content derived from UEFA and club communications
TNT Sports provided live lineup broadcasts during the match, with real-time updates on formations and substitutions.
— TNT Sports coverage
What Should Fans Know About the Benfica vs Real Madrid Matchup?
The Benfica vs Real Madrid Champions League playoff in February 2026 brought together two historic clubs with contrasting styles. Real Madrid entered with a first-leg lead and a midfield built for control, while Benfica relied on home support, defensive organisation, and the return of Richard Ríos to drive their comeback attempt. Fans seeking lineup updates for future matches should monitor official club channels approximately one hour before kick-off, as starting XIs are rarely confirmed earlier. For further reading, see Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona – Super Cup Final Preview and Prediction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of Real Madrid vs Benfica 5-2?
This refers to a past high-scoring match between the two clubs. Specific details are available via historical UEFA match reports.
What was the score of Benfica vs Real Madrid 4-2?
This is another past result. Historical UEFA data provides the exact date and match report for that fixture.
Where can I watch Benfica vs Real Madrid live?
Check official broadcasters such as TNT Sports or stream via UEFA’s digital platforms. Lineups are posted one hour before kick-off.
Are Karim Benzema or Luka Modrić starting?
Based on the confirmed lineup for the 25 February 2026 match, neither player was listed in the starting XI. Official lineups should be checked for each match.
What are the historical stats between Benfica and Real Madrid?
Both clubs have a rich Champions League history. Real Madrid leads in overall wins, but Benfica has recorded notable victories at home.
What formation did Benfica use against Real Madrid?
Benfica deployed a 4-4-2 formation, with a midfield double pivot of Richard Ríos and Fredrik Aursnes shielding the defence.
What formation did Real Madrid use against Benfica?
Real Madrid also used a 4-4-2 formation. Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga formed the midfield.
Who is the manager of Benfica?
Benfica is managed by José Mourinho. He joined the club ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Who is the manager of Real Madrid?
Real Madrid is managed by Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most experienced coaches in Champions League history.
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