Real Madrid Vs Benfica 2026: Predicted Lineups & Match Preview

Madridistas, another magical European night awaits us at the Santiago Bernabéu!

Tonight, Real Madrid host Benfica for the second leg of the 2026 Champions League Round of 32. We head into this clash with a narrow but crucial 1-0 lead on aggregate, meaning the boys just need to hold their nerve and control the tempo to secure our spot in the next round. However, we’ll have to finish the job without our star frontman.

Team News: Gonzalo’s Big Moment

The headline news heading into tonight’s fixture is the absence of Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman is currently sidelined with a sore knee, and Carlo Ancelotti is taking no chances.

While losing Mbappé is always a blow, it opens the door for Gonzalo García. The young attacker is heavily tipped to step up into the center of the attacking line, flanked by the unstoppable Vinicius Jr. and supported by Arda Güler. This is a massive opportunity for Gonzalo to cement his name on the European stage!

At the back, we are getting some major reinforcements. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raúl Asencio are fully expected to return to the starting XI, bringing much-needed stability and creative output to the right flank and central defense.

Predicted Starting XIs

Here is how we expect both teams to line up under the lights at the Bernabéu:

Real Madrid Predicted XI (4-4-2 / 4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Courtois
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Asencio, Carreras
Midfielders: Tchouaméni, Valverde, Camavinga, Güler
Forwards: Vinicius Jr., Gonzalo

Benfica Predicted XI:

Goalkeeper: Trubin
Defenders: Dedic, Otamendi, T. Araújo, Dahl
Midfielders: Aursnes, Barreiro; Lukébakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup
Forward: Pavlidis

Match Details & Where to Watch

Whether you are marching to the Bernabéu or screaming at your television screen from across the globe, here is everything you need to know to catch the action.