Benfica and Real Madrid Clash in Champions League Playoff

Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Benfica, thanks to a goal from Vinícius Júnior in the 50th minute. The match, played at the Estádio da Luz, saw a record attendance of 66,387 spectators.

A Tight Contest in Lisbon

Despite a determined effort from Benfica, Real Madrid demonstrated a well-executed strategy, building on their previous encounter where they lost 4-2 to Benfica at the same venue. The Portuguese side showed considerable resilience, but ultimately couldn’t break down the Madrid defense.

Second Leg Awaits at the Santiago Bernabéu

The second leg is scheduled for February 25th at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. The winner of this tie will advance to the round of 16, where they will face either Sporting or Manchester City.

Record-Breaking Attendance at Estádio da Luz

The Estádio da Luz witnessed its highest-ever attendance for a Benfica match, with 66,387 fans filling the stadium to support their team against Real Madrid. This demonstrates the significant interest in the Champions League and the passion of Benfica supporters.

Benfica’s Squad Strength

Benfica entered the match with a nearly full-strength squad, with the return of Alexander Bah and Richard Ríos, alongside Dedic and Aursnes. Manager José Mourinho expressed confidence in the team’s balance and ability to present different tactical options.

Real Madrid Focused on Champions League Title

Álvaro Arbeloa, representing Real Madrid, emphasized that the team is not seeking revenge for the previous defeat but is solely focused on winning the Champions League. The club, with a record 15 titles, feels the responsibility to compete for the trophy.

Recent History Between the Clubs

Benfica previously triumphed over Real Madrid with a 4-2 victory on January 28th, a result that saw goalkeeper Antoliy Trubin score a decisive goal in stoppage time. This victory secured Benfica’s place in the playoff round.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the score of the first leg? Real Madrid won 1-0.
• Who scored for Real Madrid? Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal of the match.
• Where will the second leg be played? The second leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
• Who will the winner face in the next round? The winner will face either Sporting or Manchester City.
• What was the attendance at the Estádio da Luz? A record 66,387 spectators attended the match.

Stay tuned for updates as the Champions League season progresses.