It is another Jose Mourinho derby as Benfica and Real Madrid begin their two-legged battle for a spot in the Champions League knockout stage.
Interestingly, these two sides met on Matchday 8 of the League Phase, and it is a game which ranks as one of the most dramatic in the competition’s history.
Benfica won 4-2 on home soil to book a spot in the play-offs, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a 98th-minute goal which secured a 24th-place finish and dumped out Marseille.
If we get even half the entertainment across these two games, beginning tomorrow evening in Lisbon, it will be an absolute treat!
Here is our full Benfica vs Real Madrid preview, and we have picked out some sports betting tips based on the latest available Champions League odds.
And if multiple markets on this fixture catch your eye, there is the opportunity to combine them into one wager using NetBet’s Bet Builder feature.
Where can I watch Benfica vs Real Madrid in the UK?
Benfica vs Real Madrid will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time.
Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview
Recent results
Since the previous meeting, Mourinho’s Benfica have been a little underwhelming. A 0-0 draw at Tondela was followed by nervy 2-1 wins over Alverca and Santa Clara.
Real Madrid boast three consecutive La Liga victories since the action-packed night in Lisbon, beating Rayo Vallecano (2-1), Valencia (0-2) and Real Sociedad (4-1). Overall, Los Blancos have won eight straight top-flight games, though did lose 3-2 at lower-league Albacete in the Copa del Rey last month.
Head-to-head record
This is only the second meeting between the sides in the modern Champions League era following the Matchday 8 clash. Benfica and Real Madrid actually contested the 1962 European Cup final, with the former claiming a 5-3 victory.
Team news
Alexander Bah, Samuel Soares, Fredrik Aursnes, Joao Veloso and Richard Rios are all expected to miss out for Benfica, representing some big blows for Mourinho.
Kylian Mbappe is back available to start, but Jude Bellingham is a major injury absentee for Real Madrid, while Raul Asencio and Rodrygo Goes are suspended following their red cards on Matchday 8 in Lisbon. Eder Miliato also misses out as he continues his recovery.
Benfica vs Real Madrid Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Real Madrid are heavy favourites ahead of kick-off at a price of 1.88. A key home win for Benfica is at odds of 3.76, while the draw is 3.97.
Benfica vs Real Madrid Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Kylian Mbappe @ 1.82
Mbappe is all set to return to the Real Madrid starting XI after a rest against Real Sociedad, so it is hard to look past this selection. The Frenchman has 13 goals from just seven Champions League appearances this season, and scored a brace the last time the two sides met.
Kylian Mbappe to have over 2.5 shots on target @ 3.00
As well as being a goal machine, Mbappe generates shots on target at a frightening rate. The ex-PSG forward has tallied 22 of them already this European season, an average of slightly greater than three per outing. So if you are looking for increased value on an Mbappe-themed selection, this could be the market!
Draw no bet – Benfica @ 2.68
But while Real Madrid are on a superb run domestically, their frailties were highlighted in Lisbon last time out. And whenever Mourinho is involved against one of his former clubs, games are harder to call. As such, the odds here really stand out, especially with the decreased level of risk attached given the draw element.
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