Real Madrid – Benfica: Madrid wants to finish the job at the Bernabéu 
Real Madrid host Benfica on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu for the Champions League second-leg knockout tie. Madrid hold a slim edge after their 1-0 first-leg win thanks to Vinicius Junior. Tensions are high after the incidents in Lisbon, so the tie is far from settled — but Madrid start as favourites.
Real Madrid: finish the job at home 
Vinicius’s goal in Lisbon gave Madrid the lead, but the game was overshadowed by a long stoppage following allegations of racist abuse aimed at the Brazilian — an issue still under UEFA investigation.
On the pitch, Madrid need to be sharper than in that 2-1 loss to Osasuna in LaLiga. Still, their European know-how counts: they’ve won 22 of their last 23 European ties after taking a first-leg lead.
At home, Madrid usually know how to see these games out. A tight, controlled performance should be enough to reach the last 16.
Benfica: an upset is required 
Benfica arrive in a tricky spot. Beaten at home, the Portuguese side now have to score at the Bernabéu — a stadium that has been unkind to them historically. The Lisbon club have won just two of 14 trips to Spanish teams and have taken several hits against LaLiga sides in recent seasons.
Their suspended coach being absent from the bench only makes the task harder. Still, the Eagles have solid European pedigree and will try to unsettle Madrid with an early goal. But leaving space to Madrid’s counters would be a dangerous gamble.
Likely line-ups
Real Madrid: Courtois ; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras ; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Güler ; Mbappé, Vinicius
Benfica: Trubin ; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl ; Rios, Aursnes ; Lukebakio, Rafa, Schjelderup ; Pavlidis
Football Predictions Real Madrid vs Benfica
Only one team (or neither) to score
Benfica will have to push forward but could run straight into Madrid’s clinical edge. Without playing fireworks, Real should control the match and lock up qualification.
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