Real Madrid versus Benfica: A Dramatic Series at the Bernabeu

MADRID, TUESDAY - One week feels insufficient to discuss the incidents that occurred during the first match between Real Madrid and Benfica at the Da Luz Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, last week. Undoubtedly, the second leg of the playoff in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, on Thursday (26/2/2026) at 03:00 WIB, at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, will present another drama beyond the decisive goals.

Earlier this week, Benfica sent a letter of protest to UEFA, the European football authority, regarding the foul committed by Real midfielder Federico Valverde against their wing-back, Samuel Dahl. In the replay and images submitted by Benfica, Valverde made an additional movement by swinging his hand towards the back of Dahl's neck.

UEFA swiftly responded to the protest letter from the team nicknamed "The Eagles" on Tuesday (24/2/2026). In an official letter, UEFA rejected Benfica's protest and confirmed that Valverde would be eligible to play in the second match.

On the contrary, Benfica received a notification that winger Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended for one match and therefore cannot play in Madrid. This is due to an ongoing investigation regarding allegations that Prestianni made racially charged remarks towards Real's striker, Vinicius Junior.

If found guilty, the Argentine player could face a 10-match ban from participating in UEFA events. Nevertheless, Benfica continues to take Prestianni to Madrid. "We are currently conducting an investigation into discriminatory behavior," stated UEFA's official announcement on Monday (23/2/2026) local time or Tuesday (24/2/2026) WIB.

In addition to Prestianni, Benfica will also appear at the Bernabeu without their coach, Jose Mourinho. This situation is a consequence of the red card received by Mourinho in the first meeting. Assistant coach, Joao Tralhao, will take over Mourinho's role from the sidelines in the upcoming match.

"I choose to talk about (the second match against Real)," said Mourinho at the press conference following the match between Benfica and AVS, Sunday (22/2/2026 WIB).

One message he conveyed to his players was to perform their duties to the best of their ability at the Bernabeu. "Their job is to carry out their roles professionally and in the best possible condition," Mourinho said, as reported by A Bola.

Benfica is set to arrive at Real's home ground with a pragmatic approach. Overturning a 0-1 aggregate deficit against Real is not something they cannot achieve.

Moreover, Real is currently wounded after suffering a 1-2 defeat to Osasuna in La Liga last weekend. The high-intensity match at Da Luz has proven to affect the physical and mental fitness levels of the "Los Blancos" squad.

Mourinho's playing style, which employs a low defensive block and direct play, has the potential to be a tactic to hurt Real Madrid. Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis will act as a wall to deflect his team's direct passes in Real's final third.

Without Prestianni, the Eagles' offensive role will be filled by the trio of Sidny Lopes Cabral, Rafa Silva, and Andreas Schjelderup. The trio's speed will be beneficial in Benfica's fast break.

We must not become complacent. Therefore, we will welcome Benfica and are ready to deliver an outstanding performance in 90 minutes at the Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has urged his players to forget the drama that unfolded in Lisbon last week. According to him, Real players must focus on fulfilling their ambition to advance to the round of 16 in the Champions League.

"We mustn't let the controversy from the first match affect the team. We want to ensure we complete our task well and advance to the next round," Arbeloa said, as quoted by Marca.

Furthermore, Arbeloa reminded his players not to underestimate Benfica, even though they had a one-goal lead when the match started at the Bernabeu. He stated that Benfica, coached by Mourinho, always poses a threat.

"We are confident that Mourinho has prepared his team for the second match. We must not become complacent. Therefore, we will welcome Benfica and are ready to deliver an extraordinary performance in 90 minutes at the Bernabeu," said Arbeloa.

Arbeloa is hoping that key midfielder Jude Bellingham is in good condition to play from the kickoff. Bellingham's role is not only to strengthen Real's game control. Los Blancos also need an alternative source of goals from him.

In the second match, Real remains heavily reliant on the duo of Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe. Although they are acknowledged to possess the best quality in the world today, fatigue cannot be avoided by either player.

Mbappe, for instance, has experienced a goal drought for Real in the last three matches. This goal drought is the longest that the striker and captain of the French national team has faced in the 2025-2026 season.

In another playoff match, Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League champions, took advantage of Monaco in the second leg at their home ground, the Parc des Princes. In the first leg, PSG overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

This makes Les Parisiens the favorites to win the French derby. However, player injury problems could affect that prediction.

PSG faces the possibility of losing Ousmane Dembele due to injury. A concerning condition was also experienced by Desire Doue after being substituted at halftime in the French League match against Metz last weekend.