Real Madrid have been drawn against Benfica in an immediate rematch against Jose Mourinho's side in their UEFA Champions League playoff. Los Blancos suffered a disastrous 4-2 loss against the Portuguese club on the last matchday of the competition's league phase.
Mourinho magic took place at the Estadio da Luz and the Eagles came from behind to clinch victory and the final playoff position in the league standings. Their late fourth goal came from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin and ensured they pipped Marseille to 24th via a superior goal difference of just one.
But for Madrid, it was a nightmare, and Alvaro Arbeloa blamed himself for the performance and the result. The Spaniard came into the game with his stock growing after a 6-1 thrashing of Monaco and a 2-0 win over Villarreal.
Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso as caretaker manager earlier this month with his side still in three competitions. That was until a humiliating 3-2 loss to Segunda Division minnows Albacete sent them packing from the Copa del Rey.
Arbeloa's job could be on the line after Real Madrid drawn against Benfica
The draw for the Champions League playoffs took place on Friday and Madrid learned they will face Benfica yet again. The first leg takes place at the Estadio da Luz on February 17th before Mourinho returns to the Estadio Bernabeu on February 24th.
🆚 We will face @slbenfica_en in the @ChampionsLeague last-16 play-offs.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 30, 2026
⚽ @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/SkiGtbK9GH
Arbeloa is expected to be in charge of Los Blancos until the end of the season but the possibility of a European exit before the knockout rounds is truly unforgivable. The club won't want a perfect record to end in what would be a bad reflection of their under-fire board's decison making.
Madrid have never failed to reach the knockouts and have qualified in all of their 28 campaigns. Failing to advance to this season's last 16 was a massive setback but suffering elimination in the playoffs could be curtains for Arbeloa.
Arbeloa will be without two key men
Madrid ended the game against Benfica on Wednesday night with nine men after Rodrygo and Raul Asencio were sent off in added time. It piled more misery on Arbeloa and his side given they were already headed for defeat and then Trubin scored one of the most memorable goals in the competition's history.
That means Rodrygo and Asencio won't be available for the first leg of the playoff encounter with the Portuguese giants. It's a setback for Arbeloa because Asencio has been his most reliable center-back with huge question marks over Dean Huijsen.
Rodrygo came on in the second half and returned from a spell on the sidelines. The Brazilian winger's absence will likely mean Franco Mastantuono continues on the right wing despite his disappointing display midweek.