Real Madrid face Benfica in UEFA Champions League match

Benfica to Face Must-Win UCL Match Against Former Manager Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid

Benfica will host Real Madrid in a crucial UEFA Champions League match on Wednesday at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. The match is a must-win for both teams, as Benfica faces elimination from competing in the competition this season, while Real Madrid seeks to secure their automatic passage to the last 16.

Real Madrid has endured a turbulent season, with coach Xabi Alonso sacked after only seven months in charge. However, the team remains competitive, having briefly claimed top spot in La Liga and trailing Barcelona by just one point. In the Champions League, a draw may be enough for Real Madrid to secure their passage to the last 16, but a win is essential.

Benfica, on the other hand, has struggled this season, currently sitting in 29th position out of 36 teams with a minus four goal difference. The team needs a win to avoid elimination from the competition and climb above five teams into playoff contention.

Jose Mourinho, who managed Real Madrid for three seasons from 2010 to 2013, will be leading Benfica against his former side. Mourinho has a personal stake in this match, having previously led Real Madrid to multiple titles, including two league championships and one Champions League title.

The match is scheduled to take place at 8pm GMT on January 27. Al Jazeera Sport will provide live commentary of the match, which promises to be an intense and closely contested encounter between two European powerhouses.

Source: Al Jazeera