Real Madrid vs Benfica
Tensions will be running high at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday night when Champions League: Real Madrid vs Benfica kicks off, after an explosive first leg left a nasty mood in both camps.
A Vinicius Junior goal gave Los Blancos a 1-0 lead in Lisbon, but that wasn’t the main story. Following his celebration in front of the Benfica fans the Brazil star was accosted by some of the home team’s players, clearly angered by his actions, and the outcome was that Vinicius accused one of them of making a racist remark.
More of that later; but back to the football and, while 1-0 is a slender lead at this stage, Los Blancos will be confident of making it to the Round of 16, they have progressed from 22 of the last 23 knockout ties in which they won the first leg. But Jose Mourinho’s Benfica will take strength from the fact they beat Real Madrid 4-2 in the final group game, a result which condemned Alvaro Arbeloa’s side to the lottery of the play-offs.
The Benfica boss, who won a La Liga title and a Copa Del Rey as manager of Real Madrid, will be in the stands on Wednesday, as he was red carded during the heat of last week’s first leg.
Talking Points
Blancos must stay focussed
The pre-match Real Madrid vs Benfica betting odds are right behind the hosts but Arbeloa suffered his first defeat in six La Liga games on Saturday as Madrid’s loss to Osasuna on Saturday waved Barcelona through to the top of the Primera Division. Vinicius was clearly upset after his visit to Portugal but it didn’t stop him scoring Los Blancos goal against Osasuna on Saturday.
But a late goal from Raul Garcia meant Real Madrid left Osasuna empty handed and, while this was a first major league setback for Arbeloa, Los Blancos have been flaky at times this season, in Spain and Europe and the media frenzy surrounding the team, and particularly Vinicius, must be an unwelcome distraction.
Fellow Brazil star Rodrygo is still suspended for the second leg after he was red carded during the 4-2 loss to Benfica, and if anything can cost Los Blancos this week, it will be if they lose their heads.
All eyes on Prestianni
There is no escaping the fact that the pre-match Real Madrid vs Benfica news will be centred around two players, Vinicius Junior and the man he accused of making a racist remark last week, Gianluca Prestianni. While the Madrid player has been relatively quiet since the first leg, not so the Benfica winger who has been reported to be ‘very offended’ by the accusation which could take weeks to be investigated. Prestianni called an emergency players’ meeting after the first leg, to apologise for the distraction and to again deny the allegations.
The 20 year old Argentine star missed Benfica’s win over AVS over the weekend, a fifth victory in six league games which has moved Mourinho’s men, currently third in the Primeira Liga, closer to leaders Porto. Prestianni sat the win out as he was suspended when he picked up a fifth yellow card of the campaign, for walking off the pitch slowly when he was substituted towards the end of Benfica’s 2-1 win over Santa Clara last week.
It remains to be seen whether Prestianni is restored to the Benfica starting eleven on Wednesday but I expect he will. Mourinho has never been shy of controversy and the young Argentine will be protected by his countryman and captain, the hugely experienced Nicolas Otamendi.
History
Historically, Real Madrid are the undisputed kings of Europe with a record 15 titles, eight more than any other club, last winning in 2024. And Benfica have had their moments too, winning back to back European crowns in 1961 and 1962 and reaching the final five more times, most recently in 1990.
This is the fourth time the two clubs have met, though the first in Madrid. Prior to their 1-0 defeat last week the Portuguese side won the other two clashes in Lisbon, most recently the 4-2 victory just a month ago.
In terms of recent form the La Liga giants have won four and lost two of their last six games in all competitions while Benfica have won four, drawn one and lost one.
Betting Tip
Los Blancos are at SBOTOP odds of 1.45 to win this tasty clash, with Benfica at 5.95 and the Draw at 4.70. There is no way the visitors will be a pushover this Wednesday and if the hosts are to see this tie through they must keep their heads…and be patient.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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