Overview
- UEFA paired the clubs in the knockout playoff after Benfica’s 4-2 win, with the first leg on Feb. 17 in Lisbon and the return eight days later in Madrid, marking Mourinho’s first Bernabéu visit since 2013.
- Falling outside the Champions League top eight forces Madrid into an extra tie, compresses their February schedule, and could cost second‑leg home advantage in later rounds.
- Arbeloa said he “always” wants Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois on the pitch, calling it “a time for work.”
- Bellingham labeled the Lisbon display “horrible” and Mbappé questioned desire, with Arbeloa acknowledging inconsistency and urging focus before hosting Rayo Vallecano.
- Mourinho framed the rematch by saying “we got the king,” while some outlets report Real are considering him for the job, a scenario not confirmed by the club.