Real Madrid vs Benfica live: Huge Mbappe blow for Madrid and Uefa verdict on Prestianni ban after racism storm

Madrid hold a slender lead in the Champions League knockout round play-off as they host Benfica a week after the controversial first leg in Lisbon LiveupdatedSportFootballReal Madrid vs Benfica live: Huge Mbappe blow for Madrid and Uefa verdict on Prestianni ban after racism stormMadrid hold a slender lead in the Champions League knockout round play-off as they host Benfica a week after the controversial first leg in LisbonMichael Jones Wednesday 25 February 2026 17:30 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover(Getty Images)Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreReal Madrid take on Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off tie tonight, with the hosts holding a slender lead after their 1-0 win in the reverse fixture.The first leg was marred by controversy over the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, with the Argentine now banned for this match while under investigation by Uefa. The controversy has continued in the build-up to the second leg – with Benfica boss Jose Mourinho refusing to hold a pre-match conference – and the most recent on-pitch development has seen Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the match ahead of kick-off. And while plenty of eyes will be on the Bernabeu tonight for non-footballing reasons, there is plenty still to play for on the pitch, with the winner of the tie facing either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the round of 16 later this month. Follow all the latest build-up and updates from the Bernabeu below:RecommendedIs Real Madrid v Benfica on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Champions League clashWill Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni play against Real Madrid tonight?Kylian Mbappe to miss Benfica grudge match amid racism rowReal Madrid vs Benfica liveReal Madrid host Benfica in second leg of Champions League play-off | Live on TNT Sports, kick-off 8pmMadrid take slender 1-0 lead into second leg at the BernabeuFirst leg was marred by controversy over alleged racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr.Good eveningHello and welcome to The Independent’s live blog coverage of tonight’s Champions League play-off second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica. Los Blancos hold a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg as they welcome the Portuguese giants to the Bernabeu, though much of the build-up to the second leg has covered the alleged racist abuse of Vinicius Jr by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who is suspended tonight while Uefa investigate the allegations. We’ll have all the latest build-up and updates for you right here. Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:28More aboutReal MadridBenficaChampions LeagueVinicius JuniorJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next