The Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid is set to be an exhilarating encounter, showcasing two football giants. Benfica, playing at home at the Estádio da Luz, will be looking to leverage their home advantage despite a challenging season, currently ranked 29th in their league standings.
Their recent form has been mixed, with a notable victory over Estrela da Amadora but a disappointing defeat to Juventus. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are in excellent form, ranked 3rd, coming off a resounding win against Monaco in the Champions League. Fans should be excited as the two teams have a history of thrilling matches, with their last encounter ending in a high-scoring affair.
Benfica – Real Madrid: When and Where?
- City: Lisbon
- Stadium: Estadio da Luz
- Date: 28 January 2026
- Hour: 22:00 SAST
The match will unfold at the iconic Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, offering a vibrant atmosphere for fans. Scheduled for January 28, 2026, at 22:00 SAST, it promises to be a must-watch for football enthusiasts, with both teams eager to secure crucial points in this prestigious competition.
Benfica – Real Madrid: On Which TV Channel?
- Channel: SuperSport LaLiga HD, SuperSport Football HD, Showmax
- Broadcast time: 22:00 SAST
South African viewers can catch the live action on SuperSport LaLiga HD and SuperSport Football HD, available to DStv subscribers. If you prefer streaming, Showmax provides live coverage on their platform. It’s advisable to verify details closer to the match day by visiting Live Soccer TV Schedules to ensure accurate broadcast information.
Benfica – Real Madrid: Predicted Lineups
With significant implications for both teams, the starting lineups will play a crucial role in the outcome of the match.
| 4António Silva |
| 5Enzo Barrenechea |
| 7Bruma |
| 9Franjo Ivanovic |
| 16Manuel Jorge Silva |
| 50Diogo Ferreira |
| 58Daniel Banjaqui |
| 62Jose Neto |
| 64Gonçalo Oliveira |
| 72Anisio Cabral |
| 84Joao Rego |
| 86Diogo Prioste |
| 2Daniel Carvajal |
| 4David Alaba |
| 6Eduardo Camavinga |
| 11Rodrygo |
| 13Andriy Lunin |
| 16Gonzalo Garcia |
| 19Dani Ceballos |
| 20Fran García |
| 21Brahim Diaz |
| 26Fran Gonzalez |
| 27Diego Aguado |
| 28Jorge Cestero |
Benfica Predicted Lineup & Injuries and Suspensions
Benfica will field a strong lineup despite several injury challenges. The expected starting XI includes:
- Benfica predicted lineup: Goalkeeper – Anatoliy Trubin, Right back – Amar Dedic, Right center back – Tomas Araújo, Left center back – Nicolas Otamendi, Left back – Samuel Dahl, Right defensive midfielder – Leandro Barreiro, Left defensive midfielder – Fredrik Aursnes, Right wing – Gianluca Prestianni, Attacking midfielder – Georgiy Sudakov, Left wing – Andreas Schjelderup, Center forward – Vangelis Pavlidis
Benfica is dealing with injuries to key players such as Alexander Bah, Nuno Félix, and Dodi Lukebakio, which might affect their defensive solidity and attacking options.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup & Injuries and Suspensions
Real Madrid’s lineup is expected to feature their star-studded roster:
- Real Madrid predicted lineup: Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois, Right back – Federico Valverde, Right center back – Raul Asencio, Left center back – Dean Donny Huijsen, Left back – Álvaro Fernández Carreras, Right central midfielder – Arda Guler, Central midfielder – Aurelien Tchouameni, Left central midfielder – Jude Bellingham, Right forward – Franco Mastantuono, Center forward – Kylian Mbappe, Left forward – Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid will have to adjust for the absence of Eder Militao and Antonio Rüdiger, potentially affecting their defensive strategies.
 Joshua Wynder unknown Doubtful |
Víctor Valdepeñas thigh-injury Doubtful |
 Rodrygo cruciate-ligament-injury Early December 2026 |
Eder Militao thigh-injury Late September 2026 |
Arda Guler thigh-injury Out for season |
Ferland Mendy ligament-injury Early September 2026 |
Dani Ceballos thigh-injury Back in training |
Federico Valverde head-injury Back in training |
Andriy Lunin virus Doubtful |
This match promises to deliver an electrifying experience for fans, with both teams eager to make their mark in the Champions League.
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