Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid visit Benfica tonight for the Champions League playoff first leg, seeking redemption after last month’s 4-2 defeat
- Alvaro Arbeloa’s team come into the match following a dominant 4-1 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad, extending their current winning streak to three games
- Benfica secured a dramatic playoff place with a 98th-minute goal from Anatoliy Trubin, denying Real Madrid automatic progression to the last 16
Champions League Playoff Preview
Real Madrid are preparing for a critical encounter against Benfica in the Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday, with manager Alvaro Arbeloa demanding unwavering focus and a complete 90-minute display from his squad. The Spanish side aim to avenge last month’s 4-2 upset in the league phase, a defeat that has forced them into this challenging tie rather than progressing directly to the last 16.
🗣️ Álvaro Arbeloa: “Mourinho? What I want is to win tomorrow and obviously eliminate Benfica.
After that, I hope the best for him.” pic.twitter.com/Uzfsxr9Inp
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) February 16, 2026
Recent Form and Turning the Tide
Arbeloa’s tenure at Real Madrid has seen a rapid transformation in fortunes. His charges enter the high-stakes fixture following an emphatic 4-1 triumph over a Real Sociedad team that had not lost in 11 matches. Real Madrid’s current run of three consecutive wins under Arbeloa marks a sharp contrast to their setback in Lisbon last month, which occurred shortly after Arbeloa’s appointment as manager. That match was decided in a dramatic finish, with Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin heading home a 98th-minute goal to secure qualification for Jose Mourinho’s side at Real Madrid’s expense.
Managerial Assessment
Addressing the media on Monday, Arbeloa highlighted the standards required for his side to succeed in Lisbon: “To win, we will have to play very well, and to do that, we will have to do many things right. We will have to defend well and attack well. We will have to stay focused on set pieces. And we will have to play a very complete game for 90 minutes,” he told a press conference on Monday.
The former Real Madrid defender attributed the squad’s recent improvement to the attitude and application of his players since taking over from Xabi Alonso. Arbeloa observed that the team’s results have been a product of diligent preparation and a mentality focused on treating every fixture as a final. He expressed optimism about Real Madrid’s prospects, insisting the club can reach even greater heights with the same dedication.
Benfica Challenge and Mourinho Factor
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s contest, Arbeloa warned of the familiar competitive edge that Benfica, managed by his one-time mentor Jose Mourinho and former Real Madrid boss, will bring to the tie: “One thing is clear: their spirit will be very similar to three weeks ago. They have a leader (in Mourinho) who sets the tone, the way they play and compete,” Arbeloa said.
Arbeloa also noted subtle tactical distinctions but reinforced the expectation of a fiercely contested battle. He concluded that Real Madrid approach the clash with singular focus, committed only to producing a strong result and advancing in the competition.
