Benfica vs Real Madrid Result

Benfica
Full Time

Real Madrid
📍 Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
🗓️ Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026 at 20:00
🔥 AI Prediction Report
CERTIFIED WPredicted
1 - 2
Actual
0 - 1
💰 Bet Results0/1 hit
Estimated ROI (£100/bet)
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£-100
-100% ROI
Mbappé Strike Edges Real Madrid Past Benfica in Lisbon
Real Madrid claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica at the Estádio da Luz, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Kylian Mbappé. The Spanish giants controlled much of the contest, enjoying 58% possession and registering 16 shots—seven of which tested Anatoliy Trubin in the Benfica goal. Despite spirited resistance and a disciplined defensive display from the hosts, Benfica struggled to carve out clear opportunities, managing just three shots on target from ten attempts. The match was tightly contested in midfield, with both teams picking up two yellow cards apiece, reflecting the intensity of a high-stakes Champions League knockout tie. Ultimately, Real Madrid’s superior attacking quality and midfield dominance told, as Mbappé’s clinical finish in the 50th minute proved the difference on a night when Benfica’s attacking quartet found it difficult to break through the visitors’ back line.
Benfica
Benfica put in a disciplined and organized performance, but were ultimately unable to match Real Madrid’s attacking threat. Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the hosts looked to stay compact and hit on the break, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-drilled Madrid defense. Their attacking midfielders, including Rafa Silva and Andreas Schjelderup, found little space to operate, and Vangelis Pavlidis was largely isolated up front. Despite being outshot and out-possessed, Benfica’s defensive unit, marshaled by Nicolás Otamendi, kept the scoreline respectable and limited Madrid to a single goal. However, their inability to turn possession into meaningful attacks ultimately cost them.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Real Madrid
Real Madrid delivered a professional away performance, showing patience and control throughout the match. Operating in a 4-4-2 formation, Carlo Ancelotti’s side dominated possession (58%) and dictated the tempo, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde providing energy and balance in midfield. The attacking duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior stretched the Benfica defense, with Mbappé ultimately breaking the deadlock early in the second half. Madrid’s back line, anchored by Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen, dealt comfortably with Benfica’s sporadic attacks, while Thibaut Courtois was rarely troubled. The visitors’ ability to control the game and create more quality chances was the key to their victory.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Moments
50' — Goal
Kylian Mbappé finishes clinically to give Real Madrid the lead after a sweeping move.
63' — Yellow Card
Nicolás Otamendi booked for a tactical foul as Benfica tried to stem a Madrid counter.
75' — Yellow Card
Federico Valverde shown yellow for a late challenge in midfield.
82' — Yellow Card
Fredrik Aursnes cautioned as Benfica pushed forward in search of an equalizer.
Tactical Analysis
Benfica’s 4-2-3-1 formation was designed to provide defensive solidity, with Leandro Barreiro and Fredrik Aursnes shielding the back four. However, the lack of attacking support for Vangelis Pavlidis meant Benfica struggled to transition effectively, especially as Real Madrid pressed high and forced turnovers. The hosts looked to exploit the flanks through Gianluca Prestianni and Rafa Silva, but Madrid’s full-backs, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold, managed the threat well. Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 allowed them to control central areas, with Tchouaméni and Camavinga winning the midfield battle and releasing Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior into space. The visitors’ pressing forced Benfica into mistakes, and their attacking width stretched the home defense. Substitutions in the second half added fresh legs but did not alter the overall tactical balance, with Madrid maintaining shape and composure to see out the win.
Turning Point
Mbappé’s goal in the 50th minute, which shifted momentum decisively in Madrid’s favor and forced Benfica to chase the game.
Man of the Match
Kylian Mbappé
Scored the match-winning goal and posed a constant threat to the Benfica defense with his movement and pace.