Benfica Ignite the Estádio da Luz as Real Madrid Seek Redemption in Champions League Showdown

On the UEFA Champions League stage, Portuguese giants Benfica have launched a series of motivational posters and messages to rally their supporters, calling on fans to once again give everything for Mourinho’s side in Wednesday’s first-leg playoff clash against Real Madrid. Less than 20 days ago, Madrid suffered a 2–4 defeat at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz.

Benfica’s official social media channels have already begun building momentum ahead of Real Madrid’s return to Lisbon this week, posting multiple updates aimed at inspiring their own fans and sending a warning to the Spanish giants. At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on February 18, Real Madrid will visit the Estádio da Luz for the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff.

The Lisbon-based club looked back at their recent 4–2 victory over Real Madrid, then coached by Mourinho, in the final round of this season’s Champions League league phase — a match played less than 20 days ago. Benfica have urged supporters to once again stand firmly behind the team in red.

To that end, the club released an emotional highlight video revisiting the emphatic win. Goalkeeper Trubin’s dramatic 98th-minute strike preserved the Portuguese side’s hopes of progression. Although Mbappé scored twice, it was not enough to secure victory. After the match, he admitted: “This is not the performance of a championship team.”

Last Sunday, Benfica further ignited fan passion with a post on their official social media account: “On January 28, the Hell of Light descended. Shall we do it again?” The club also unveiled a striking stadium-themed poster with the caption: “The temple awaits.”

Courtois and Valverde Eye Lisbon Redemption
Two key figures in the Real Madrid dressing room — Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde — still vividly remember the mistakes made in the 2–4 defeat to Benfica. That disappointing performance cost them a top-eight finish in the standings, but both are convinced the team will deliver a completely different display this time.

“We didn’t want to play in the Champions League knockout playoff, but this is the reality. We’re facing a strong team that hurt us badly at their home,” Courtois admitted ahead of the reunion.

The Belgian goalkeeper stressed that unity and compactness will be essential to avoid another European setback and to prevent being put under pressure in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“We have to improve, learn from that defeat, and show the same attitude we had against Real Sociedad to get a good result. A two-legged tie is different, but we know they will try to take advantage at home. We must stay solid in both attack and defense and return to the Bernabéu with a satisfactory result,” Courtois said.

Valverde, one of Madrid’s leaders, echoed that sentiment and is eager for revenge. “We didn’t perform well last time in Lisbon. The responsibility lies with us players. We have to keep growing and improving.”

For the Uruguayan midfielder, this is a decisive stage of the season, and Real Madrid must demonstrate their determination to challenge for both La Liga and the Champions League titles.

“We want to compete for every trophy. If I say we’re not fighting for La Liga and the Champions League, that would be a disgrace as a player and as a captain. We prepare all year for matches like these in the Champions League. It’s time to show our determination.”

Valverde’s fighting words reflect the mindset within the entire Real Madrid squad as they prepare to face Benfica once again on Portuguese soil.