Real Madrid hosts Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu in Spain for the second leg of their Champions League knockout tie, with kickoff today at 3:00 p.m. EST.
As the home side defends a slender one-goal advantage, the visitors face a monumental task that forces them into an all-or-nothing approach
Let's get into our Benfica vs. Real Madrid prediction.
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Prediction
Picks: Real Madrid to Win and Vinicius Jr. to Score Anytime
Our Benfica vs. Real Madrid best bets are on the home side to win and Vini Jr to score.
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Odds
| Benfica Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
2.5 -225o / 175u | +500 | |
| Real Madrid Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
2.5 -225o / 175u | -223 | |
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Picks, Parlay
Leg 1: Real Madrid to Win
Leg 2: Vinicius Jr. to Score Anytime
Real Madrid may have lost a few crucial games lately, and are coming into this match on a 2-1 loss to Osasuna. However, they are rightfully priced as the heavy favourites and will look to make a statement in this intricate matchup.
Benfica found a saving 4-2 win in the League Phase, but Los Blancos were on point in Portugal just days ago. Real Madrid allowed the opposition no big chances, while creating four of their own. A similar performance will be more than enough to secure a spot in the final 16.
The visitors need a win to keep themselves in contention. However, Los Blancos have been impressive at home lately, winning six consecutive matches. They’ve conceded goals in four, but outscored the opposition, netting 21 in this six-game span.
Vinicius Jr. is currently the most potent weapon in Real Madrid’s attack. The Brazilian forward found the net in the first leg to give his club the 1-0 aggregate lead and also scored in the subsequent league match against Osasuna. After a period of adjustment earlier in the season, he now performs at his peak and enters this contest with goals in four consecutive appearances.
Across all competitions, Vinicius has accumulated 12 goals. While his teammate Kylian Mbappe leads the team in total goals, the Brazilian’s recent form presents significant value in the goalscorer market. He scored an incredible goal in the first leg, and Benfica’s situation demands an aggressive game plan.
As the Portuguese side pushes forward to overcome the deficit, Vinicius should find ample space to exploit their defense and create scoring opportunities.
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Projections
Projected Chance of Winning
| Benfica | Draw | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| 13.8% | 17.1% | 69.1% |
Projected Total Goals
| Benfica | Total Goals | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| 0.98 | 3.37 | 2.39 |
Benfica vs. Real Madrid Betting Analysis
This matchup presents a classic European knockout scenario. Real Madrid holds a narrow 1-0 lead and possesses a formidable historical advantage, as the club has advanced from 22 of its last 23 European ties after a first-leg victory.
While their recent league form includes a loss, their quality, especially with players like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, makes them a constant threat.
For Benfica, the path forward is difficult. The club has only advanced once in its last eight European knockout ties after it lost the first leg at home.
Furthermore, their record against Spanish opposition is poor, with six losses in their last eight contests. This match will also be their first-ever visit to the Santiago Bernabéu, a daunting prospect for any team.
The two clubs have met twice this season, with each team securing one win. The first leg was a tight 1-0 result, but their prior meeting in the league phase was a wild 4-2 victory for Benfica.
That result, which came when Benfica also needed a win, shows they are capable to produce goals against Madrid.
Since Benfica must attack from the outset, this game could open up and see chances at both ends of the field, which creates the perfect environment for Madrid’s dynamic forwards to capitalize on the counterattack.
Check out the best soccer odds before you make your Benfica vs Real Madrid picks.
