Real Madrid returns to the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon to face Benfica in the first knockout match of the Champions League. This encounter holds special significance, as just three weeks ago, Los Blancos lost 2-4 at the same venue. The team led by José Mourinho delivered a massive surprise then, pushing the favored visitors into the play-offs for the round of 16 after a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Revenge for a sensational defeat

Real Madrid returns to Lisbon just three weeks after losing 2-4, which pushed the club into the play-off phase.

Mourinho against his former club

Portuguese manager José Mourinho once again challenges Real Madrid, leveraging his experience and knowledge of the Spanish giants.

Goalkeeper as a scorer

Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin became the hero of the previous match, scoring the decisive goal with a header in the last minute.

Tonight in Lisbon promises to be one of the most thrilling moments of this year's Champions League edition. Real Madrid, stung by their recent defeat, has a chance for redemption in the clash with Benfica. The previous meeting between the two teams, which took place 20 days ago to conclude the league phase, provided fans with incredible twists and turns. Back then, the Portuguese side, led by the former coach of Los Blancos, José Mourinho, won 4-2, sealing the result in stoppage time. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Portuguese clubs has a rich history, dating back to European Cup finals in the 1960s. Particular emotions are stirred by Mourinho's return to competing against the club with which he won a record-breaking Spanish championship in 2012.The biggest hero of that encounter was Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who scored the fourth goal for his team with a header in the last minute of the match. This strike not only humiliated the giants from Madrid but, above all, cost them a spot in the top eight of the table, forcing the charges of Carlo Ancelotti to compete in the play-off phase. Today's match is thus an opportunity for the Spaniards to settle scores and build an advantage ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, scheduled for February 25. „We parted ways at a just and ideal moment, I gave my all for the club.” — José MourinhoThe media emphasize that Mourinho's tactical dominance in the previous match was key to success. The manager was able to perfectly exploit Real's defensive weaknesses, as noted by, among others, Jorge Valdano. Today's clash will show whether the coaching staff from Spain has learned lessons from the schooling received in the Portuguese capital. Fans expect Real to go on the attack from the first minutes, aiming to avoid another disappointment at a stadium that until recently was associated solely with triumphs in European cups. Last Clash in Lisbon: Benfica 4:2 Real Madrid20 days — have passed since Real's sensational loss to Benfica

Mentioned People

  • José Mourinho — Manager of Benfica Lisbon, former coach of Real Madrid.
  • Anatoliy Trubin — Goalkeeper of Benfica, scorer of the goal in the previous match against Real.
  • Jorge Valdano — Former footballer and director of Real Madrid, sports commentator.
  • Carlo Ancelotti — Current manager of Real Madrid.