Match Preview for Real Madrid v Benfica
Real Madrid edged a highly competitive first leg of their Champions League play-off with Benfica last week – but that only told half the story.
Madrid won 1-0 thanks to a brilliant goal from Vinicius Jr. Shortly after, the Brazil winger claimed he was racially abused by Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni.
Prestianni has maintained his innocence throughout but that did not stop him receiving a one-game provisional suspension from UEFA while a deeper investigation is carried out.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho, who was widely criticised for his post-match remarks that appeared to suggest Vinicius Jr had incited the crowd at the Estadio Da Luz, will also have a limited role on his return to the Santiago Bernabeu after being shown a red card in the first game.
Prestianni’s absence from the squad will help diffuse what threatened to be a white-hot atmosphere, although the Argentine has still travelled with the Benfica party to Madrid and it remains to be seen where he will watch the game.
It is unlikely he will be at the stadium, meaning the focus can return to onfield matters and the latest instalment of what has been a fascinating, drama-fueled trilogy of games over the past month.
The first encounter was on the final matchday of the league phase, Benfica winning 4-2 with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a stunning last-gasp header to push the Eagles into the playoffs.
Then came round two, won by Madrid but a game overshadowed by the incident involving Prestianni and Vinicius Jr.
So, what will round three hold?
Madrid come into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Osasuna – a result that saw them relinquish top spot in La Liga to arch rivals Barcelona – and with star man Kylian Mbappe going through an uncharacteristic slump.
The suggestion is the Frenchman is being hampered by a knee injury but boss Alvaro Arbeloa needs him to regain his top form and quickly.
Benfica enjoyed a 3-0 win over AVS at the weekend but still sit third in the Primeira Liga behind traditional rivals Sporting CP and Porto.
Team News for Real Madrid v Benfica
Dean Huijsen missed training today and won’t feature tomorrow night. The Spain centre-half joins Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos on the injured list. Rodrygo is suspended.
Antonio Rudiger is set to return to the back four.
Joao Veloso is missing through injury for Benfica but Prestianni is their main absentee. Dodi Lukebakio is likely to replace him on the left side of the visitors’ attack.
Predicted line-ups for Real Madrid v Benfica
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Assention, Racing; Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde; Guler, Vinicius Jr., Backpack
Benfica: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Rios, Aursnes; Lukebachio, Rafa, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
How to watch Real Madrid v Benfica: TV and streaming options
Real Madrid versus Benfica kicks off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. You can watch it on TNT Sports and stream via the discovery+ app.
To watch elsewhere in the world, click HERE to find your local rights holder.
