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Real Madrid were not meant to have had the two added games in February, but a defeat to Benfica in Portugal at the end of last month changed it all.
Not only did the Merengues drop out of the top-8 as a result, but they also drew up the same opponent in the resulting playoff and the first-leg last week was dramatic beyond limit.
Now, they play host to Benfica for their third meeting this season, and this time there is a lot at stake.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s men have a one-goal lead from Lisbon, but that may not count for much after the opening whistle sounds at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid Universal brings you three talking points ahead of Real Madrid vs Benfica.
A high-tension affair
After the events in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff last week, it is clear that the game tonight will have tensions running at an all-time high.
Tension will flare. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
While the game was white mundane until the hour mark, matters escalated after Vinicius Jr. scored the opening goal.
His celebration to fire up the atmosphere, Gianluca Prestianni’s alleged racist abuse to Jose Mourinho’s fiery comments after the game – everything served to amp the tension up after that point.
The past week, in fact, has seen global media extensively debate only on the incidents on the night in Lisbon, and it is clear that both Real Madrid and Benfica see themselves to be the aggrieved party.
UEFA have taken a big step by suspending Prestianni from the second leg, and that may serve to boil down the obvious friction on the field.
Yet, it is safe to say that the game will hold significant tension even between the remaining players on the field, especially given that Vinicius will be featuring as the protagonist on the night.
The game, thus, will be played with high intensity, purpose and drive and Benfica will come out all guns blazing with ruthless challenges and physicality and it is essential that Real Madrid be ready for the same.
Mbappe missing
When Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference, he was confident that Kylian Mbappe would be available to start and contribute to the team’s objective in the UCL.
Mbappe is out for this clash. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
A lot, however, has changed overnight, and the Frenchman is now ruled out not only for the game against Benfica but likely even the team’s next two outings after that.
Mbappe has been playing through severe knee pain for a while now, and it has reached a point where he does not see it as sustainable to push through. It is in the player and the club’s best interests but it is a massive blow for the manager’s plans.
The World Cup winner has been one of Real Madrid’s bright spots this season and the team has primarily run on his attacking brilliance for most of the campaign.
Heading into the second leg with just a one-goal lead and Mbappe unavailable comes as a massive blow.
Gonzalo Garcia is expected to start in Mbappe’s place tomorrow and will look to pitch in with a goal or two to continue his good performances.
The objective, however, is significantly complicated and impacted by Mbappe’s absence.
90 minutes to stay alive
Having been defeated by Osasuna just at the weekend, this is the last time Real Madrid would wish to be playing a must-win fixture in the UEFA Champions League. Yet, here they are and with their own doing.
There is a lot at stake. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Placed comfortably to finish in the top-8, Real Madrid lost to Benfica on the given match day of the league phase and dropped into the playoff zone. Now, they take on the same opponent, only the consequences are much worse.
The 90 minutes on Wednesday night will decide who progresses to the knockouts and whose campaign ends right at this stage, and Real Madrid have no options but to win or at least draw on the night to progress.
Yet, the fact that they faltered against the same opponent in their last seemingly must-win game only makes it more complicated.
Real Madrid will have the home advantage on the night and will look to utilise it to the maximum.
Concurrently, however, that also adds pressure on them, considering how they are on the edge with the Santiago Bernabeu crowd as well.
A defeat tonight and elimination from the competition, and they will never hear the end of it from the supporters.
Real Madrid head into the game as favourites, with pressure from fans across the globe, fans in the stadium, the weight of the badge and after a recent defeat. Ninety minutes of football will decide the outcome of the season.