Real Madrid vs Benfica Free Streams: How to watch Champions League 2025/26 2nd leg from anywhere in the world

Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid (L) celebrates with Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid (R) after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio do SL Benfica on February 17, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.
(Image credit: Ricardo Nogueira/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)

The first leg ended 1-0, with Vinicius striking early in the second half, but the scoreline failed to capture the drama that followed. The Brazilian accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse shortly after his goal, prompting a 10-minute stoppage, and the incident, which has since resulted in a one-match provisional ban for the Argentinian, dominated the post-match discussion.

Real Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to start Vinícius Júnior if he feels the forward is mentally ready. Los Blancos go into the return leg after a 2-1 defeat to Osasuna, a result that leaves them second in La Liga, and they will need a stronger display to ensure progression.

Madrid have won five of their last six games against Portuguese sides and are favourites to advance, with either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City waiting in the next round.

Benfica, led by José Mourinho, who is suspended for this match, responded with a 3-0 league win at the weekend. Historically, the Portuguese giants hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record, winning three of the five previous meetings and losing twice.

Read on for our guide on where to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica live streams online, on TV and potentially for free wherever you are.

Can I watch Benfica vs Real Madrid for free?

Yes. Real Madrid vs Benfica is being shown free with English commentary in Ireland on RTE Player.

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How to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica live streams in the US

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The Real Madrid vs Benfica live stream is on Paramount Plus in the US.

Subscriptions to Paramount Plus start at $8.99 per month and you can save on any package by committing to a yearly subscription.

Outside of the US? Use a VPN to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica from abroad while you're away from home.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica live streams in the UK

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The Real Madrid vs Benfica live stream is on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

You can get it by adding TNT Sports to your Sky, Virgin Media or EE TV package, or pay from £30.99 per month for a Discovery+ plan that includes TNT Sports.

Traveling away from the UK today? NordVPN can help you unlock all the action.

Official Real Madrid vs Benfica broadcasters by region

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Can I watch Real Madrid vs Benfica on my mobile?

Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser. For example, Virgin Media Play (Ireland), TNT Sports (UK) and Paramount Plus (US) all have mobile apps.

You can also stay up-to-date with key 2025/26 Champions League moments on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@ChampionsLeague), Instagram (@ChampionsLeague), TikTok (@ChampionsLeague) and UEFA's YouTube (@UEFA).

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Sam May
Contributor

Born and raised in England, Sam graduated with a degree in sports journalism from the University of Chester and now lives in Spain, having previously worked at FC Barcelona, talkSPORT, the Daily Mail and BBC Sport

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