Thirteen years after José Mourinho managed Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid, the two are set to face off for the first time as Benfica welcomes Los Blancos for the final match of the Champions League group phase.
Real Madrid enters the encounter in a significantly stronger position compared to their opponents. The 15-time European champions have secured five victories from seven matches in the group phase, currently placing them third and just three points away from clinching an automatic spot in the knockout stage.
Conversely, Benfica has struggled throughout this Champions League season, suffering five defeats, including a recent 2–0 loss to Juventus. As a result, they find themselves ranked 29th, below the cutoff for the knockout phase playoffs. Although a victory over Arbeloa’s men is crucial to keep their hopes alive, it is insufficient on its own to guarantee their advancement.
Historically, Benfica has faced Real Madrid 2 times, winning twice, while Los Blancos have one victory from their encounters. Their last meeting occurred on March 17, 1965, during the European Cup, where Real Madrid triumphed 2–1.
In terms of current form, both teams come off contrasting performances. Benfica’s recent record includes one win and four losses, while Real Madrid has found success, claiming three wins, with their latest match showcasing an impressive 6–1 victory over Monaco.
Fans eager to watch the match can tune in via various platforms across different countries, including Paramount+ and TUDN in the United States, and DAZN in Canada.
Benfica’s challenges extend to their squad, with multiple injuries affecting key players. Richard Rios is sidelined with a shoulder injury, and Dodi Lukebakio remains out with an ankle fracture. Additionally, players like Alexander Bah, Nuno Félix, and Henrique Araújo are also nursing injuries that will prevent them from participating in this critical match. Despite recent signings, Sidny Lopes Cabral and Rafa Silva will also be unavailable for the clash.
On the Real Madrid side, Álvaro Arbeloa faces his own set of challenges with injuries to Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Antonio Rüdiger, though the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Álvaro Carreras adds depth to the lineup. Franco Mastantuono is expected to hold his position on the right wing, with Rodrygo being gradually reintegrated into the team.
As both teams gear up for what promises to be an intense matchup, Benfica will look to turn around their fortunes and salvage their Champions League campaign, while Real Madrid aims to build momentum and secure a dominant win. With Kylian Mbappé in lethal form, having scored 11 goals in the league phase, the path to victory appears promising for the visitors.
In prediction, given Benfica’s current struggles, a scoreline of 2-0 in favor of Real Madrid seems likely, setting the stage for an electrifying encounter filled with the potential for both drama and standout performances.