Real Madrid vs Benfica Headlines Massive UEFA Champions League Night

February 17, 2026

The UEFA Champions League returns tonight with a blockbuster lineup of knockout round matches, headlined by Real Madrid hosting Benfica in the first leg of their round of 16 tie at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET), with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid, the 15-time European champions, enter as heavy favorites after topping their group stage and winning 12 of their last 14 competitive matches. Carlo Ancelotti's side will be led by Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham, with the front three combining for 28 goals in the competition this season. The Bernabéu is expected to be sold out, creating a formidable atmosphere for the visitors.

Benfica, under Roger Schmidt, finished second in their group behind Manchester City and arrive in Madrid with confidence after a strong run of form in the Primeira Liga. The Portuguese giants will rely on Ángel Di María's experience, João Mário's midfield control, and the pace of Rafa Silva and Arthur Cabral to counter Real Madrid's attacking threat.

Other Key Matches Tonight

All times CET (UTC+1)

• 8:00 PM: Bayer Leverkusen vs Paris Saint-Germain (BayArena, Leverkusen) Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Bundesliga leaders face Luis Enrique's star-studded PSG in what promises to be an open, high-scoring affair.
• 8:00 PM: Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid (Jan Breydel Stadium, Brugge) The Belgian champions host Diego Simeone's Atlético in a clash of contrasting styles, with Brugge aiming to cause a major upset.
• 9:00 PM: Real Madrid vs Benfica (Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid) The marquee match of the night, pitting 15-time champions against a Benfica side hungry to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2016.
• 9:00 PM: Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund (Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon) Portuguese champions Sporting face Dortmund in a rematch of their dramatic group-stage encounter earlier this season.

What to Watch For

• Can Benfica contain Mbappé and Vinícius, or will Real Madrid's attack overwhelm the Portuguese defense?
• Will Leverkusen maintain their unbeaten run against PSG's firepower?
• Can Atlético's defensive solidity frustrate Brugge's high-pressing style?
• Will Sporting's home advantage give them the edge against Dortmund?

All matches are available live on UEFA.tv, Paramount+ (U.S.), TNT Sports (UK), and various regional broadcasters. Second legs are scheduled for the week of March 4–5, with the quarter-final draw to follow immediately after.

Tonight's games set the stage for what could be one of the most competitive Champions League knockout phases in recent memory. With star power, tactical battles, and high stakes, football fans worldwide are in for an unforgettable evening.