Real Madrid missed out on a direct spot in the Champions League round of 16 following a chaotic and high-intensity loss to Benfica at the Estádio da Luz. Despite a brace from Kylian Mbappé, the Whites finished ninth in the table and must now navigate a two-legged play-off to keep their European dreams alive.
Match Summary: A High-Tempo Start in Lisbon
From the opening whistle, Benfica set a blistering pace. Early pressure nearly paid off when Tomás Araújo missed a golden opportunity following a corner scramble.
The match was marred by early controversy when referee Davide Massa awarded a penalty against Jude Bellingham for a challenge on Prestianni. However, following a VAR review, the decision was rightfully overturned as replays showed Bellingham won the ball cleanly.
Mbappé Shines Amidst Benfica Pressure
As the first half progressed, Thibaut Courtois was forced into a spectacular save to deny Prestianni. Real Madrid eventually found their rhythm, with Arda Güler testing the keeper from distance.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute. Raúl Asencio delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post, where Kylian Mbappé rose to head the ball home, giving Arbeloa’s side the lead.
A Swift Turn of Fortune
The lead was short-lived. Just minutes after Trubin denied Asencio a second goal for Madrid, Benfica struck back. A swift counter-attack ended with Schjelderup heading home the equalizer.
Before the break, the momentum shifted entirely. Aurélien Tchouameni was penalized for a foul on Otamendi inside the box, allowing Pavlidis to convert from the spot and send the Portuguese side into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Second Half: Discipline Costs Real Madrid
The second half began with Real Madrid searching for an equalizer, but they were caught thin at the back. Schjelderup capitalized on another counter-attack to make it 3-1.
Kylian Mbappé gave the visitors hope in the 58th minute, cutting inside to fire a brilliant long-range effort into the bottom corner. This marked his 13th goal of the Champions League season, bringing the score to 3-2.
Late Drama and Red Cards
The final stages were frantic. While Rodrygo and Asencio pushed for a late leveler, the match spiraled out of control in stoppage time:
- Raúl Asencio was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
- Rodrygo was also dismissed following two quick bookings for protesting.
With Madrid down to nine men, Benfica sealed the victory in the dying seconds. In a rare footballing moment, goalkeeper Trubin headed home from a free-kick to make it 4-2, cementing Madrid’s ninth-place finish.
Champions League Play-off Draw: Who Will Real Madrid Face?
Having dropped out of the top eight, Real Madrid must now compete in the new play-off format. The draw will take place this Friday, and the Whites will face one of two potential opponents:
- Benfica (for a swift rematch)
- Bodø/Glimt
