Following the dramatic 4-2 defeat on January 28, Real Madrid enters the Estádio da Luz in a state of tactical precarity. Having finished 9th in the league phase, the side is forced into a high-stakes playoff against a Benfica side that has reached its defensive peak under José Mourinho.
The Midfield Void
The absence of Jude Bellingham (6-8 week hamstring recovery) leaves a critical bridge missing in Madrids transition play. Benfica leads the competition in advanced ball recoveries, averaging 6.1 per game, and will look to exploit this lack of midfield stability.