After defeating Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon, Real Madrid will look to clinch their spot in the Champions League last 16 when they face the Eagles at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. As Benfica failed to create a descent goal-scoring opportunity in the first leg, we predict a 2-1 home win. Los Blancos are low on confidence following a shocking 2-1 La Liga loss to Osasuna, but they are still seen as hot favourites to win Wednesdayâs Champions League game. Defenders Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen, and midfielder Jude Bellingham miss out with injuries, while winger Rodrygo is banned for the second leg. Anyhow, home win should be considered as Alvaro Arbeloaâs men average 2.13 expected goals at home.Jose Mourinhoâs men, on the other hand, face an uphill task in the return leg. As Benfica need to adopt an attack-minded approach this time out, we predict that Real Madrid will have a number of opportunities to score on the break. Felix, Soares, and Veloso are all sidelined with injuries, while winger Gianluca Prestianni is back from the domestic ban. Anyhow, away win should not be considered as the Eagles have been scoring only 0.80 goals per game on the road.
