Real Madrid will host SL Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League playoff at Estadio da Luz, after a 4‑1 win over Real Sociedad. The match follows a 4‑2 loss to Mourinho’s side at the same venue last month.
Three key players—Tchouameni, Huijsen and Carreras—are each one yellow card away from suspension. A caution in tonight’s game would mean they miss the second‑leg tie at the Santiago Bernabéu, raising concerns for the club’s chances of reaching the round of 16.