Real Madrid’s Direct Qualification at Risk After Benfica Loss

LISBON (Azat TV) – Real Madrid’s path to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 became significantly more challenging today after a surprising 3-2 defeat to Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in their final league phase match. The loss means manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, who entered the day in third place, now face the prospect of navigating the knockout phase playoffs in February, rather than securing direct qualification to the last 16.

The high-stakes encounter on January 28, 2026, saw a spirited Benfica side, managed by Jose Mourinho, fight for their own slim hopes of European football progression. Despite their victory, Benfica, who were in 29th place with only six points before the match, remained outside the qualification spots for the knockout stages, highlighting the complexity of the new league phase format.

Early Lead and Benfica’s Resilient Comeback

The match began with Real Madrid asserting their intent, as star forward Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 30th minute, putting Los Blancos ahead 1-0. However, Benfica quickly responded. Leandro Barreiro received the first yellow card for Benfica in the 10th minute, setting an aggressive tone. A penalty was initially awarded to Benfica in the 15th minute after Jude Bellingham’s foul on Prestianni, but it was overturned by VAR, favoring Real Madrid. Moments later, Aurelien Tchouameni received a yellow card for Real Madrid in the 2nd minute, foreshadowing a tense affair.

Benfica found their equalizer in the 36th minute through Schjelderup, following a crucial assist by Pavlidis. The Portuguese side continued to press, and just before halftime, Pavlidis converted a penalty in the 45th+4 minute, giving Benfica a 2-1 lead at the break. The penalty was awarded after Tchouameni fouled Otamendi, resulting in a yellow card for Raul Asencio of Real Madrid.

Second Half Drama and Real Madrid’s Struggle

The second half saw Benfica extend their advantage. Schjelderup scored his second goal of the night in the 53rd minute, pushing the score to 3-1. Real Madrid responded with substitutions, bringing on Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga for Franco Mastantuono and Aurelien Tchouameni in the 55th minute, seeking to inject new energy into their attack. Kylian Mbappé managed to pull one back for Real Madrid in the 57th minute, scoring his second goal of the match and narrowing Benfica’s lead to 3-2.

However, despite Mbappé’s efforts, Real Madrid struggled to find the equalizer. The intensity of the match was reflected in multiple yellow cards, with Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras of Real Madrid also receiving bookings in the 61st and 66th minutes, respectively. Benfica’s Heorhiy Sudakov also had a significant chance, narrowly missing a powerful strike in the 68th minute that could have further sealed his team’s victory.

Implications for Champions League Progression

Real Madrid’s loss means their direct qualification to the Round of 16 is now dependent on results from other matches in the concluding league phase. Before this fixture, a draw or win would have guaranteed their top-eight finish and automatic progression, allowing them to bypass the demanding knockout phase playoffs scheduled for February. The Athletic reported that Real Madrid, along with PSG, were in ‘precarious positions’ with teams below them able to replace them in the top eight.

For Benfica, while the 3-2 victory was a significant upset and a strong performance against a European giant, it was not enough to secure their passage. Despite the win, they found themselves outside the crucial qualification spots, underscoring the fierce competition in the new Champions League format where all 18 matches take place simultaneously on the final matchday.

Historic Venue, Unexpected Outcome

The Estádio da Luz holds a storied history for Real Madrid, having been the venue where they clinched their tenth Champions League title over a decade ago. Their return to this iconic stadium on January 28, 2026, for the first time in over 11 years, brought an unexpected and challenging result. Italian referee Davide Massa officiated the clash, alongside assistant referees Filippo Meli and Stefano Alassio.

The outcome of this match serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of top-tier European football, where even established powerhouses like Real Madrid can be pushed to the brink by determined opponents fighting for their own survival, forcing a re-evaluation of their immediate Champions League strategy.