"Benfica host Real Madrid knowing that only a victory will keep their Champions League hopes alive. The Portuguese side begin matchday eight sitting 29th in the 36-team table, two points adrift of the final playoff positions, while Madrid arrive in Lisbon placed third but still not mathematically assured of a top-eight finish, with the standings tightly packed beneath them. Benfica's European campaign has been defined by an early collapse."
"Real Madrid also arrive after a turbulent period, having endured managerial upheaval earlier this month before stabilising under new leadership. Los Blancos have now won three consecutive matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 away victory at Villarreal that kept them within touching distance of the La Liga summit. Madrid's Champions League campaign has been far more controlled. Five wins from seven matches have placed them firmly in contention for automatic qualification, and another victory here would confirm a place in the last 16."
Benfica must win to keep Champions League hopes alive, entering matchday eight 29th in the 36-team table and two points behind the final playoff positions. An early collapse in the tournament left four consecutive defeats at the start of the league phase, though back-to-back 2-0 wins over Ajax and Napoli briefly reignited belief before a 2-0 loss at Juventus. Jose Mourinho names an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 with Schjelderup and Prestianni on the wings and Pavlidis leading the line. Real Madrid have stabilised after managerial upheaval, won three consecutive matches, and sit on five wins from seven in the Champions League; another victory would secure last-16 qualification.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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