Benfica vs Real Madrid Predictions

• Real Madrid have been level at half-time in their last two La Liga games, winning each
• Benfica held Juventus for 45 minutes of their 2-0 defeat in Turin last week
• Franco Mastantuono has scored in two of his last four appearances for Real Madrid

Arbeloa’s Real on a roll

A Real Madrid side on a roll seeks direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16 against Benfica st Estadio da Luz on Wednesday. Los Blancos will be keen to avoid any potential pitfalls in the knockout phase play-off round in this competition, which remains their greatest obsession.

They thrashed Monaco 6-1 to remain third in the standings and have a two-point cushion to Barcelona in ninth. Alvaro Arbeloa’s men followed that big win with a workmanlike 2-0 defeat of Villarreal at the Ceramica on Saturday.

Now they face an old friend and foe with Jose Mourinho in charge of the Eagles, who were Real’s opponents in the 1962 European Cup Final. It is hard to believe these sides have met competitively only twice since and not since the 1960s.

Mourinho is a few players short

Mourinho’s men were not good enough in a 2-0 loss to Juventus last week and look about nine players short of challenging Real Madrid here. That said, they can make it difficult with an astute tactical approach and that could mean matters remain level beyond half-time.

Back the visitors to win after a drawn first 45 minutes. Benfica held out for a 0-0 at the break in Turin last week before Luciano Spalletti’s switch of Weston McKennie to the number 10 role turned the game in the Old Lady’s favour.

Likewise, Los Blancos did not get their noses in front against Villarreal until the 47th minute and tok until the 54th minute to break the deadlock against Levante the week before.