Benfica host Real Madrid in Lisbon on 17 February 2026, with kickoff at 20:00 UTC in this UEFA Champions League Round of 32 tie. Benfica arrive 24th in the overall standings on 9 points, while Real Madrid sit 9th with 15 points and a +9 goal difference.
Benfica availability
Benfica face significant absences. Defender A. Bah is ruled out with a knee injury, while midfielder R. Rios and goalkeeper Samuel Soares miss out through injury. Young midfielder João Veloso is sidelined by a shoulder problem, and forward N. Felix also suffers a knee injury. Even with these setbacks, key creator Fredrik Aursnes is available; the midfielder has 1 goal and 4 assists in this Champions League campaign, underlining his importance in linking play and supplying the attack. With attacking options like Vangelis Pavlidis, Rafa and Dodi Lukebakio all expected to feature, Benfica still retain notable firepower despite the depleted squad depth.
Real Madrid availability
Real Madrid also have major concerns. Midfield talisman Jude Bellingham is out with a hamstring injury, and central defender Éder Militão is unavailable with the same issue. In attack, Rodrygo is listed as missing both due to a red-card suspension and a muscle injury, further limiting Carlo Ancelotti’s options out wide. However, the Spanish giants can still rely on the competition’s leading scorer Kylian Mbappé, who has already produced 13 goals in just 7 appearances. Creative threats Vinícius Júnior and Arda Güler, each with 4 assists in this Champions League season, are fit and expected to shoulder extra responsibility in Bellingham’s absence.
Both sides are hit by injuries, but Real Madrid retain a greater share of their key attacking output thanks to Mbappé, Vinícius and Güler all being available. Benfica’s missing players mainly affect depth and balance, placing extra weight on Aursnes and their front line to match Madrid’s firepower.
