Mbappe Makes Preference Clear on Who Real Madrid Should Face in Play-Offs

Kylian Mbappe has reportedly made his preference clear – he wants Real Madrid to face Benfica again in the UEFA Champions League play-offs.

The Frenchman was furious after Los Blancos’ loss against the Portuguese side and wants to ‘avenge the humiliation.’

Real Madrid suffered a shocking 4-2 defeat to Benfica in their final Champions League league-phase game on Wednesday night. Mbappe put Los Blancos ahead in the 30th minute, but they could not hold on to their advantage.

By the 54th minute, Benfica were 3-1 up, but Mbappe’s 58th-minute goal brought the visitors back into the contest. A draw would have been enough for Real Madrid to secure a top-eight finish.

However, the 15-time European champions lost their composure towards the end and conceded a fourth.

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored spectacularly from a set-piece against Real Madrid, joining an exclusive list of goalkeepers who have scored in the Champions League.

Mbappe Wants Real Madrid to Face Benfica in Champions League Play-Offs

Kylian Mbappe criticised Real Madrid’s attitude after the shocking defeat in Portugal. On the plane back to Madrid, he reportedly spoke to coach Alvaro Arbeloa, clarifying that he only wanted to face Benfica.

According to Defensa Central, the forward said:

“I want Benfica, we have to avenge the humiliation.”

Real Madrid finished ninth in the Champions League table and will face either Bodo/Glimt, who finished 23rd, or Benfica, who finished 24th. The Champions League play-off draw will be held in Nyon on Friday, determining which team Real Madrid will face over two legs in February. Inter Milan, who finished in 10th place, will face the other team.

Kylian Mbappé went on a tear to break the record for most goals in a single Champions League group stage/league phase pic.twitter.com/cQXcEhLdwZ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 29, 2026

The Matchday 8 defeat not only robbed Los Blancos of a couple of extra off days in February, but it also took a toll on Real Madrid’s Champions League earnings. Barcelona, who were the only Spanish team to secure direct tickets to the Round of 16, have earned €52.89 million, nearly €15 million more than their bitterest rivals.

Real Madrid Have a Poor Record Against Benfica

Real Madrid have been the most dominant team in Europe by a country mile. However, they have historically suffered against Benfica in the European Cup / Champions League.

The two teams squared off for the fourth time on Wednesday night – for the first time in the Champions League era. In the European Cup era, they met thrice, with Benfica winning twice and Madrid just once.

Benfica beat Real Madrid 5-3 in the 1961/62 Champions League final. The Eagles have not lifted the Ol’ Big Ears since.

Real Madrid and Benfica met again in the 1964/65 quarter-finals. In the first leg, the Primeira Liga side cruised to a thumping 5-1 victory. The All-Whites won the second leg 2-1 but lost the tie 6-3 on aggregate.