Less than three weeks after the two sides faced off in the league phase, Benfica and Real Madrid are set to clash in the first leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs at the Estádio da Luz, Lisbon.
What was projected to be a rather comfortable victory for Los Blancos turned into a nightmare at the Estádio da Luz back in January. Álvaro Arbeloa’s men lost 4–2, finished with nine men and saw their guaranteed place in the last 16 slip through their fingers.
Now, Real Madrid must fight to keep their Champions League campaign alive in the knockout phase playoffs against an opponent emboldened by their recent triumph over the 15-time European champions. Benfica boss José Mourinho called his former club “wounded” in the build-up to the all-important clash, already starting the mind games before the opening whistle sounds.
The Portuguese manager will hope his squad can repeat their shock victory come Tuesday and extend their unbeaten run to six games. Los Blancos, though, will feel much more confident this time around thanks to the return of a few key players.
Watch Benfica vs Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League Playoff Live Match Below.
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