Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview & Tips – Benfica to give Real Madrid a Champions League headache

By Ben Darvill

2 hours ago

Ben Darvill 2 hours ago

Share this article

Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2 in their clash last month
Real have seen both sides score in their last four European matches
Preview, stats & head to head

Benfica vs Real Marid (Getty Images)

Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Benfica Form
Real Madrid Form

Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview & Tips

Benfica are eyeing up a stunning double over Real Madrid after humbling them in a 4-2 triumph in the final group-stage match of the competition mere weeks ago.

Real Madrid were dragged into the playoff spots of the Champions League via their shock 4-2 loss to Benfica in their final group game.

Benfica have beaten Real in their two previous meetings
Both sides have scored in the two matches involving the clubs

Head To Head

The pair have only met twice before, with Benfica winning both matches. The first was a 5-2 friendly win back in 2012, while the most recent game came on January 28 as the Portuguese side own 4-2.

Benfica Form

Benfica were outstanding against Real Madrid in their last Champions League match as they showed no fear in a stunning 4-2 win.

While Real shaded possession, Benfica took more shots (20 to 14) and shots on target (11 to six) than the Spanish side, while they also topped the most important stat as they outscored their opponents 4-2.

Now, the Portuguese side know they need to summon up a similarly gutsy performance in the first-leg of their playoff against a side crammed full of world class talent. Positive for Benfica is the fact they have never lost to their opponents.

Having won their last two home matches in the competition by beating Napoli and their next opponents, I am backing the Portuguese outfit to storm to yet another big result as they ensure Real do not return to Spain with the advantage.

Real Madrid Form

Real Madrid need to pick themselves back up quickly after they were beaten by Benfica in their final group game, with this seeing them slip a point behind eighth-placed Manchester City in the group.

Across their Champions League campaign, Real have struggled. Three wins in their opening three matches saw them start in perfect style, but defeats to Liverpool, Manchester City and Benfica saw them pick up six points from a possible 15, with their defeats to Liverpool and Benfica coming on the road.

While Real will always carry a big threat up front, they have looked anything but solid at the back, failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their last five in Europe. With this in mind, I am backing against them getting the win as they give themselves it all to do in the second-leg.

Verdict

Benfica v Real Madrid

I am backing Benfica/Draw in the Double Chance market as both sides find the back of the net.

BTTS Yes

Both Teams To Score

@-181.82 - 1 Unit

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Bet at Stake.com

Benfica/Draw

Double Chance

@-112.36 - 1 Unit