The match between Real Madrid and Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 32 is scheduled for 25 February 2026 in Madrid, with kickoff at 20:00 UTC. Real Madrid come into the tie ranked 9th on 15 points, while Benfica sit 24th with 9 points.
Real Madrid availability
Real Madrid face several notable absences. Midfield talisman J. Bellingham is ruled out with a hamstring injury, depriving the hosts of a key box-to-box presence. Fellow midfielder D. Ceballos also misses out due to a muscle injury, limiting rotation options in the middle. In defence, Eder Militao and young defender D. Huijsen are sidelined with hamstring and muscle problems respectively, reducing depth at centre-back. In attack, Rodrygo is suspended following a red card, removing one of the team’s main wide threats. Even so, Real Madrid can still rely on Kylian Mbappé, the competition’s top scorer with 13 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearances, and Vinícius Júnior, who has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists across 9 games, to lead the offensive charge. Creative midfielder A. Güler, with 4 Champions League assists this season, is also available to supply chances.
Benfica availability
Benfica also have a mixed picture. N. Felix is unavailable with a knee injury, while G. Prestianni is suspended, cutting into their attacking and creative options. There are additional doubts: F. Aursnes, one of the team’s most influential midfielders and a key provider with 4 assists and 1 goal in 11 Champions League appearances, is listed as questionable due to inactivity. Goalkeeper S. Soares is also questionable with an injury, and midfielder J. Veloso is doubtful with a shoulder problem, potentially affecting depth in both goal and midfield. If Aursnes is passed fit, his distribution and work rate will be crucial to supplying forwards like V. Pavlidis and D. Lukebakio, who are expected to shoulder the scoring responsibility despite not featuring among the listed top scorers.
Both sides are missing important pieces, but Real Madrid retain the bulk of their elite attacking output, with Mbappé’s 13 goals and the combined 8 assists from Vinícius Júnior and A. Güler still available. Benfica’s uncertainty around Aursnes and multiple doubts could hinder their creativity, potentially tilting the balance of squad health in favour of the home team.
