Benfica-Real Madrid: Whites out to seal Champions League last-16 spot
The team is looking for a win at the Estadio de la Décima to qualify directly for the next round (9 pm CET).
Real Madrid face the eighth and final matchday of the first round of the Champions League tonight (9 pm CET). The Whites take on Benfica at the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica (Da Luz), the scene of their tenth European Cup, with the aim of sealing a place in the last 16.
The Madridistas go into this matchday, which will be played simultaneously, in third place. A win would guarantee them a direct passage to the next round. In the event of a draw or loss, they would depend on other results to avoid having to play a two-legged play-off.
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“This match is extremely difficult,” said Arbeloa in the press conference ahead of the clash. The coach’s squad includes Mbappé, the top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals in six games. Also speaking in the Estadio Da Luz press room was Carreras, who said: "We're here for the three points and to play our football."
Madrid’s opponents
Benfica are 29th in the table with six points. José Mourinho's side need to win and hope for other results to qualify for the play-offs for the last 16. In the Portuguese league, they are third and defeated Estrela Amadora last time out.