Benfica and Real Madrid are set to meet in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League playoff first leg at Estádio da Luz.

The clash follows a dramatic league-phase encounter in which Benfica stunned the Spanish side 4–2, a result that denied Madrid a top-eight finish.

The return leg will take place at Santiago Bernabéu, raising the stakes for what promises to be a fiercely contested tie.

Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has urged caution despite the previous victory, warning that a “wounded” Madrid side remains dangerous.

He acknowledged the psychological dimension of facing a club widely regarded as the kings of the Champions League, suggesting a strong response is inevitable.

Benfica enter the tie in solid form, unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, and will rely heavily on their strong home record.

Madrid, led by interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, have also won four of their last five, though recent European away performances have exposed vulnerabilities.

Historically, the matchup has tilted in Madrid’s favor, but Benfica’s recent win marked their third victory in four meetings between the sides.

It was also a rare triumph for the Portuguese club against Spanish opposition, underlining the significance of that result.

For Madrid, the defeat stands as their only loss in the last ten Champions League matches against Portuguese teams, reinforcing their broader pedigree in the competition.

Team news adds further intrigue. Madrid will be without Jude Bellingham due to injury and Rodrygo through suspension, while Eder Militao remains sidelined.

However, Kylian Mbappe has been declared fit and is expected to start. Benfica face their own selection concerns but are likely to field a competitive XI.

Tactical discipline and attacking firepower are expected to define the contest, with Madrid slight favorites to secure a first-leg advantage in what could be a high-scoring encounter.