The UEFA Champions League returns with a pivotal Matchday 8 fixture this Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Benfica faces Real Madrid at the iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, in a game that could really shape the Round of 16.
For those wondering how to watch this huge match, it kicks off at 20:00 GMT, 15:00 EST, with various streaming options available across regions like Paramount+ in the US and Sky Sports in the UK. This isn’t just another group stage game; it’s pretty much a “kill or be killed” situation for the home side, as their manager, Jose Mourinho, put it.
High Stakes Under the Lights for Both Sides
Real Madrid, currently sitting third in the group with 15 points and a +11 goal difference, needs just a win to secure their spot in the Round of 16. A draw will probably be enough, too, but they’ll want to finish strong. Benfica, on the other hand, is in a much tougher spot. After losing 2-0 to Juventus in their last Champions League outing, they absolutely need a victory to stay in playoff contention. And even then, they’ll need some other results to go their way, especially from the Monaco vs Juventus game, to keep their European dreams alive.
The last time these two sides met, Benfica really hammered Real Madrid, winning 5-2. That scoreline gives the Portuguese giants a bit of confidence, but Real Madrid’s form has been strong lately. They’re on a three-match winning streak, including a dominant 6-1 win against Monaco in their last Champions League game. Domestically, they just beat Villarreal 2-0. Benfica’s recent form is a bit mixed, with two wins and two losses in their last four, though they did just thump Estrela da Amadora 4-0 in their league. You can check more details on their recent performances at GOAL.com.
A Master vs. Apprentice Confrontation
This match has a fascinating subplot: Jose Mourinho facing his former player, Álvaro Arbeloa, who is making his Champions League debut as Real Madrid’s new manager. Mourinho didn’t mince words when asked if he’d given Arbeloa any advice. He told reporters on January 27, 2026, he hadn’t “been in touch lately due to phone number changes” and felt there was “no necessity for structured conversation as Arbeloa knows responsibilities.”
“He’s one of my boys, a favored player,” Mourinho said, according to Goal.com. “I hope for his success but not at Benfica’s cost.” It’s a classic mentor-mentee showdown, with high stakes for both. Mourinho’s Benfica team knows this is a “kill or be killed” scenario.
Real Madrid comes into this game with a few key injuries. Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, Alexander-Arnold, and Éder Militão are all out. Benfica has a longer injury list, with Alexander, N Felix, and Dodi Lukébakio sidelined. Bah, Soares, and Henrique Araujo are also out, and Rios is doubtful due to fitness. Plus, Sidny Lopes Cabral and Rafa Silva aren’t even registered for Champions League play. Neither team has any suspensions, though. Expected lineups suggest Benfica will go with a 4-2-3-1, while Arbeloa’s Real Madrid will likely play a 4-3-3.
The New Champions League Format and Global Viewing
This match is part of the expanded Champions League league phase, a really important change this season. The top 8 teams will go straight to the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9-24 will enter a playoff round. So, every point, every goal difference matters more than ever. Other big fixtures on the same day include Arsenal vs Kairat Almaty and Barcelona vs FC Copenhagen, making it a packed day of European football.
Fans around the world can catch the action. In the US, you can watch on Paramount+ and ViX. Indonesian viewers can tune into beIN Sports Xtra TV or stream on Vidio, though it’ll be 03:00 WIB on January 29 for them. For UK and European audiences, Sky Sports is showing the game, with the 20:00 GMT kick-off confirmed, as seen on Sky Sports Football. You can also follow live scores and highlights on platforms like ESPN. It’s a huge night for both clubs, but especially for Benfica, who are fighting for their European lives. Real Madrid, with a new manager and a strong run, will want to stamp their authority and secure that direct qualification spot.
Ishaan Singh 
Govind Singh 
Sagnik Banerjee