Nigerian star predicts heavy defeat for Benfica against Real Madrid in Champions League playoff

Nigerian football star Asisat Oshoala has set social media buzzing after boldly predicting a heavy defeat for Benfica against Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff clash, Soccernet.ng reports.

Both sides, following their last encounter in which Benfica triumphed 4-2, will face each other again today, Tuesday, 17, in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are anticipating a revenge mission more than just a victory at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

Benfica vs Real Madrid: Oshoala reacts

As the UEFA Champions League playoff kicks off, Oshoala took to X (formerly Twitter) to forecast a dominant Madrid performance.

Writing in Nigerian Pidgin, the former Barcelona striker posted: “The way Madrid go flog Benfica tomorrow ehn,” which suggests the Spanish giants will thrash their Portuguese opponents.

The way Madrid go flog Benfica tomorrow ehn

— ASISAT O.O.N (@AsisatOshoala) February 16, 2026

The first leg will be played at Estádio da Luz, with the Los Blancos out to avenge last month’s dramatic 4–2 defeat to Benfica in the league phase.

Real Madrid seek revenge in Lisbon

That earlier encounter saw Benfica stun Madrid thanks to a sensational stoppage-time header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, which pushed the Spanish side into the playoff round and kept the Portuguese club in the competition.

Now under the guidance of former player Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid Madrid head into the tie with renewed confidence after a convincing 4–1 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad at the weekend.

Arbeloa’s side are expected to rely on their attacking firepower as they look to take control of the tie ahead of next week’s return leg in Spain.

Mourinho factor and star power on both sides

Benfica’s challenge is led by José Mourinho, who returned to the Lisbon club in September 2025 for a second spell, 25 years after his first.

The former Real Madrid boss has already frustrated his old club once this season and is banking on home advantage to do so again.

Key men such as striker Vangelis Pavlidis and defensive leaders Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva are expected to play crucial roles for Benfica.

However, Madrid’s star-studded squad, featuring Kylian Mbappe and Vinícius Júnior, has tipped the balance of predictions in favour of the Spanish side.

The second leg will be played next Wednesday in Madrid, with the winner on aggregate advancing to the Champions League round of 16.