The last day of the UEFA Champions League is coming and it is all or nothing for the teams looking to qualify for the next round or secure a place in the round of 16. While several teams will be fighting for their lives, there are cases such as that of Real Madrid, who already have their qualification practically assured, but will face Benfica, who need a miracle to stay alive in the competition.
Benfica will host a Real Madrid side that seems to have already passed the grey part of the season and is slowly returning to its usual level. The Portuguese team, meanwhile, has not had a good Champions League campaign, but under Jose Mourinho they hope to make an impact.
Real Madrid wants to be at its best for the Champions League round of 16
Although Arbeloa’s team is already almost ready for the round of 16, they still want to continue to gain confidence and show that despite the bad times suffered this season, they can still be candidates to win the competition.
Real Madrid is in third place in the Champions League table, behind only Bayern and Arsenal, so despite the departure of Xabi Alonso, the Spanish club has remained strong in international competition.
Real Madrid is coming off a good run, where they beat Villarreal in LaLiga and in the previous Champions League match they thrashed Monaco. Arbeloa will go with the best he has to ensure qualification and prove that they are still more alive than ever.
Jose Mourinho faces an old acquaintance
On the Benfica bench is not just any coach, but a legend. It is Jose Mourinho, who despite not having a good performance in the Champions League, still has a chance to advance to the next round if he wins. The problem is that he is up against a tough team, but one that he knows very well.
Mourinho was league champion with Real Madrid achieving a historic score. The Portuguese coach had a controversial spell with the Spanish team and, therefore, this duel will have an extra spice.
Benfica’s present is not the best. The team is third in the Portuguese league, 10 points behind the leader, while in the Champions League it is hanging by a thread to advance to the next round. Despite the inconsistency, in Portugal they are hoping that Mourinho can beat Madrid and turn around a season that has not been very good.
What time is the match between Benfica and Real Madrid in the United States?
The match, valid for the last day of the Champions League, will be played at 14:00 ET.
Where to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid in the USA?
The match between Benfica and Real Madrid can be seen on Paramount+.
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