Lisbon/Madrid — 26 February 2026:
Portuguese giants SL Benfica have seen their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign come to an abrupt end after a tense two‑leg playoff against Real Madrid CF — but the focus off the pitch has overshadowed much of the action.
Portuguese giants SL Benfica have seen their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign come to an abrupt end after a tense two‑leg playoff against Real Madrid CF — but the focus off the pitch has overshadowed much of the action.
🔥 Elimination on the Field
In the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, Benfica looked competitive early on but ultimately fell 2–1, resulting in a 3–1 aggregate defeat that knocked them out of Europe’s premier club tournament.
- Rafa Silva gave Benfica an early lead, exploiting Real’s defensive lapse.
- Aurelien Tchouaméni equalised shortly after for Real Madrid, setting the stage for the decisive goal.
- Vinícius Júnior struck late to seal Real’s progression into the Champions League last 16.
Despite Benfica’s spirited performance, they couldn’t capitalize on their home advantage in Lisbon first leg or replicate it in the Spanish capital.
⚖️ Pre‑Match Controversy and UEFA Actions
Much of the drama surrounding this tie stemmed from off‑field allegations:
⚖️ Pre‑Match Controversy and UEFA Actions
Much of the drama surrounding this tie stemmed from off‑field allegations:
- Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni — set to feature for Benfica — was provisionally suspended by UEFA after being accused of directing racist abuse at Vinícius Júnior during the first leg in Portugal.
- Benfica appealed the decision but saw the appeal rejected, leaving Prestianni unavailable for the second leg in Madrid.
The club has issued statements affirming its commitment to respect and equality while backing their player’s version of events, though the disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing.
🧠 Leadership and Tactical Challenges
Benfica’s campaign was also shaped by managerial challenges:
🧠 Leadership and Tactical Challenges
Benfica’s campaign was also shaped by managerial challenges:
- Head coach José Mourinho was absent from the touchline due to suspension from an earlier red card, meaning his tactical influence was limited during the crucial second leg.
- Squad rotation and UEFA’s suspension of key players disrupted Benfica’s approach, especially against world‑class opponents like Real Madrid.
📉 The Impact of Elimination
For Benfica, the exit marks a disappointing end to their European journey this season — one where they showed promise but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to surpass one of the continent’s most decorated teams. The loss will have implications:
For Benfica, the exit marks a disappointing end to their European journey this season — one where they showed promise but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to surpass one of the continent’s most decorated teams. The loss will have implications:
- Financially: Champions League progression brings revenue; elimination cuts future earnings.
- Morale: Players and fans must reconcile with a defeat that had emotional as well as sporting weight.
- Future European Plans: Benfica will now refocus on domestic competitions and potentially look toward UEFA Europa League or Conference League opportunities in future seasons.
🏁 Looking Ahead
Benfica’s immediate priority now shifts to the Primeira Liga and other cup competitions, where they will aim to consolidate their domestic standing. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how the club responds after European disappointment — both on the field and in resolving the broader disciplinary issues that have surrounded this tie
Benfica’s immediate priority now shifts to the Primeira Liga and other cup competitions, where they will aim to consolidate their domestic standing. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how the club responds after European disappointment — both on the field and in resolving the broader disciplinary issues that have surrounded this tie
