Real Madrid are heading back to Portugal with a score to settle.
After a shocking 4-2 defeat three weeks ago that saw José Mourinho’s Benfica edge out the Spanish giants, the two sides meet again at the Stadium of Light for a high-stakes Champions League knockout clash.
The big boost for the Merengues is the return of Kylian Mbappé. After sitting out the weekend’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad due to minor knee discomfort, the Frenchman—who has already bagged a staggering 38 goals this season—is ready to lead the line.
The Return of the King: Mbappé Leads Real Madrid’s Redemption Mission
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa is wary of the threat posed by “The Special One,” especially after Benfica’s dramatic qualification secured by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-minute heroics.
“We have the previous match fresh in our minds; we know how complicated it will be,” Arbeloa noted, emphasizing that the team is prepared for the hostile atmosphere in Lisbon.
While Madrid focuses on revenge, the Champions League landscape remains turbulent:
- PSG’s Struggles: The defending champions face Monaco amidst a dip in form, having lost three times already in 2026.
- Inter’s Momentum: The Serie A leaders head to face Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt on the back of six straight wins.
- Other Fixtures: Juventus travel to Galatasaray, while Dortmund host Atalanta in what promises to be a thrilling week of European football.
For Madrid, however, the mission is simple: use Mbappé’s firepower to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself against Mourinho’s disciplined side.
