Real Madrid will be determined to book their place in the Round of 16 with a victory when they visit a Benfica side, who are desperate for a win to avoid elimination.
Here is where to find English-language live streams of Benfica vs Real Madrid, as GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch the game today.
 | USA | Paramount+ |
 | UK | TNT Sports |
 | Australia | Stan Sport |
 | Canada | Fubo Canada |
 | India | JioStar |
 | South / Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport |
 | Malaysia | beIN Sports Malaysia |
| Middle East | beIN Sports MENA |
How to watch anywhere with a VPN
If you are travelling abroad or just want to access your usual streaming services from a different part of the world, you may run into geo-restrictions. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in handy.
A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure, encrypted connection online. By virtually changing your location to a country where the game is being broadcast, you can bypass blackout restrictions and watch your favourite team live. Click here for a step-by-step guide or, alternatively, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sports.
Benfica vs Real Madrid kick-off time
Benfica vs Madrid will kick off on 28 Jan 2026 at 15:00 EST and 20:00 GMT.
Match preview
Benfica have been inconsistent, having registered two wins and two defeats in their last four matches, including a loss to Juventus in their last Champions League game. The Portuguese giants must win to keep any playoff hopes alive, and even then, they need results from other matches to go their way, as a draw or loss eliminates them from the competition.
Meanwhile, Madrid are enjoying a three-match winning streak, which includes an emphatic victory over AS Monaco in their last Champions League game. A win at Benfica would secure a top-eight finish and direct entry to the round of 16 for the Spanish heavyweights, while a draw will almost certainly be enough for top direct qualification, thanks to their strong goal difference. A loss could drop them out of the top eight if other results don't go their way.
Injury news & key stats
Benfica have no suspensions coming into this game, but key players Alexander Bah, Nuno Felix, and Dodi Lukébakio remain sidelined due to injuries, with no fresh concerns reported otherwise.
Their visitors, Madrid also do not have suspension worries, but several key players remain sidelined due to injuries, including Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Eder Militao.
This will be the competitive meeting between the two teams since 1965 and their sixth clash.
Benfica have the edge as they have won three games, compared to Madrid's two victories
Team news & squads
Benfica vs Real Madrid Probable lineups
4-2-3-1
Formation
4-1-2-3
RMAProbable lineup
Substitutes
Manager
J. Mourinho
Probable lineup
Substitutes
Manager
A. Arbeloa
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
Injuries and Suspensions
Form
BEN-Form
BENBenfica
4
-
0
Estrela da Amadora
W
Juventus
2
-
0
Benfica
L
Rio Ave
0
-
2
Benfica
W
FC Porto
1
-
0
Benfica
L
Benfica
1
-
3
Braga
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 7/6
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 2/5
- Both teams scored
- 1/5
RMA-Form
RMAVillarreal
0
-
2
Real Madrid
W
Real Madrid
6
-
1
Monaco
W
Real Madrid
2
-
0
Levante
W
Albacete
3
-
2
Real Madrid
L
Barcelona
3
-
2
Real Madrid
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 14/7
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
Head-to-Head Record
BENLast match
RMAStandings
Step-by-step VPN guide to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid today
NordVPN
- Download & Install: Sign up to NordVPN or another reputable VPN service (check out GOAL's guide here) and download the app on your device.
- Connect to a Server: Open the app and select a server location where the match is being shown (e.g. if you are in the UK but want to watch a US stream, connect to a US server).
- Clear Cache: Sometimes your browser holds onto your old location. Clear your cookies or refresh your browser to ensure the change takes effect.
- Start Streaming: Go to your broadcaster's website and app and enjoy the game.
>How to watch on the Big Screen
Watching on your phone or laptop is fine, but live sports belong on the big screen. Here is how to get the VPN working on your TV:
- Smart TVs & Fire Stick: Most Android-based TVs and devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast with Google TV have native VPN apps. Simply search for your VPN provider in the app store on your TV, log in, and connect just like you would on your phone.
- Apple TV, Roku & Consoles: These devices often don't support direct VPN apps. The easiest workaround is to use Smart DNS (usually found in your VPN account settings) or Mirror/Cast the stream from your VPN-connected phone or laptop to your TV.