Vinicius Jr plays today? Where to watch Real Madrid x Benfica in the UEFA Champions League

Vinícius Júnior was the target of allegations of racism during the first game of the 2025/26 UEFA The Real Madrid striker scored the winning goal for 1-0 and, after the celebration, he got involved in an argument with the Gianluca Prestianni player, from Benfica. Vinícius accused his opponent of using a racial insult, which led to the activation of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol by French referee François Letexier. The game was suspended for around 10 minutes before resuming.

UEFA opened an investigation into the episode and appointed an ethics and discipline inspector. Prestianni received a provisional suspension for one match, which prevents him from playing on his return. Real Madrid sent all available evidence to the entity. Kylian Mbappé stated that he heard the insult repeated five times. Prestianni denies the racial accusation and Benfica defends the player, alleging a defamation campaign.

The return match takes place this Wednesday (25) at Estádio Santiago Bernabéu, at Madri. Real Madrid arrives with a 1-0 lead and seeks to confirm their classification for the round of 16. Benfica needs to reverse the aggregate score to advance in the competition.

The game is scheduled for 9pm (Madri local time, equivalent to 5pm in Brasília time). Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić commands the match.

Real Madrid enters the field with the objective of managing the minimum advantage obtained in the first match. The team led by Álvaro Arbeloa counts on the support of the fans at Bernabéu to seal the classification. Benfica, led by José Mourinho, needs to score at least two goals without conceding to force extra time or advance directly. The episode of alleged racism on the way adds extra tension to the decisive duel.

Tickets for the game sold out quickly among Merengues fans. The stadium is expected to be full, with more than 80,000 people expected to attend.

Where to watch live and stream online

The match will be broadcast exclusively on HBO Max via streaming. Subscribers can follow all bids in real time via the platform’s app or website. Não there is an open broadcast on open TV on Brasil for this confrontation.

Probable lineups

Real Madrid must line up with Courtois in goal. The defense has Alexander-Arnold on the right flank, Asencio and Rüdiger in defense, in addition to Carreras on the left. In midfield, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde and Arda Güler play. The attack is left with Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García, as Kylian Mbappé is out due to a knee injury.

Benfica must enter the field with Trubin in goal. The defensive line has Dedic, António Silva, Otamendi and Dahl. In the middle, Barrenechea, Barreiro and Rafa Silva. The offensive sector has Sidny, Pavlidis and Schjelderup, without Prestianni due to suspension.

Embezzlement and suspensions

Real Madrid does not have Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen and Dani Ceballos due to injury, in addition to Rodrygo suspended and Jude Bellingham out due to a physical problem. Mbappé also misses the team.

Benfica has occasional absences, but maintains the main base to seek a turnaround in the aggregate score. Prestianni is provisionally suspended.

Results of the last 5 games of each team

Real Madrid comes from an irregular sequence in domestic competitions, but maintains focus on Champions. The Whites recorded a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg, in addition to results such as victory in LaLiga against Real Sociedad and a draw or defeat in recent previous games.

Benfica is looking to recover after the defeat in the first match. The Portuguese team has alternated wins and draws in the national championship, but needs a superior performance in the Europa to advance.

Curiosities and recent history of clashes

The teams recently faced each other in the group stage and now in the playoffs. Real Madrid has an advantage in the current aggregate. Vinícius Júnior has been decisive in European knockout games. The Bernabéu represents an important factor for the home team in decisive duels of the Champions.

Guesses and expectations

Analysts point to favoritism for Real Madrid to confirm the place, given the advantage and field control. Benfica relies on quick counterattacks to surprise. The expectation is for a disputed game, with a possible tight score in normal time.

Arbitration

Slavko Vinčić referees the duel, assisted by the Slovenian team. The referee has experience in high-level UEFA matches.

Weather forecast in Madri today

The temperature in Madri at game time is around 10°C to 12°C, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain. Condições favorable for the match to take place without interruptions.

The confrontation promises intensity from the beginning. Real Madrid pushes for direct classification. Benfica tries to set a high pace to reverse the result. Merengue fans should push the team towards the round of 16 of the Liga of the Campeões.