Real Madrid and PSG both have an advantage.

Real Madrid - Ảnh 1. — Real Madrid (right) holds a significant advantage in the second leg against Benfica - Photo: AFP

The final four tickets to the Round of 16 of the 2025-2026 Champions League will be determined in the early hours of February 26th. Besides the disappointment surrounding Italian football, the focus of attention is now on the two giants, Real Madrid and PSG.

The King's Mettle

At 3 AM on February 26th, Real Madrid will face Benfica (Portugal) at their home stadium, Santiago Bernabeu. In the first leg, Real Madrid successfully avenged their 2-4 defeat in the group stage with a narrow 1-0 victory in Lisbon. However, the 90 minutes in Portugal ended in a tense atmosphere when Vinicius accused Prestianni of racist remarks. This promises to make the Bernabeu even more fiery than ever when they welcome Benfica.

A one-goal advantage is significant enough for Mbappe and his teammates to strategize for the second leg. Statistics show that Real Madrid have progressed in 22 out of their last 23 European Cup away matches after winning the first leg. Despite a slight defensive lapse with Dean Huijsen's participation uncertain, the Spanish giants still hold complete control of their destiny.

On the other side of the battlefield, Benfica faces an immense challenge with their poor form when playing away against Spanish teams (losing all 5 of their most recent knockout matches). Furthermore, they are at a disadvantage due to the absence of head coach Jose Mourinho.

Specifically, "the Special One" received a red card in the first leg. Therefore, Coach Mourinho was banned from coaching Benfica on his return to his old home, the Bernabeu. Without the direct guidance of their manager, Benfica's chances of turning the tide were extremely slim.

PSG displays its strength.

Similar to Real Madrid, the French giants PSG also hold a significant advantage over Monaco in the match being played at the same time. In the first leg, the Parisian team secured a dramatic 3-2 victory. Returning to their home ground, Parc des Princes, with a one-goal lead and a superior squad, PSG's task becomes much easier.

History is completely against Monaco on this away trip. Furthermore, Monaco is experiencing a terrible run of form in European cup knockout rounds, having lost all five of their most recent matches. In addition, their away record in the Champions League is no better (only one win in their last seven away games).

Conversely, PSG is demonstrating its prowess in continental competitions, having won 6 out of their last 7 Champions League knockout matches. Statistically, they have progressed in 33 out of 40 UEFA tie-breaking matches where they held an advantage after the first leg. Therefore, it would be a real shock if the defending champions were to lose their place in the round of 16 on home soil.

Two Serie A representatives are trembling.

In contrast to the composure of Real Madrid and PSG, the two Serie A representatives are facing a dire situation. Specifically, Juventus needs a miracle to overcome a three-goal deficit after their humiliating 2-5 defeat against Galatasaray (Turkey). The task of a comeback is even more impossible given the defensive crisis the "Old Lady" is facing with the absence of key player Gleison Bremer. Meanwhile, Galatasaray boasts the formidable attacking duo of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi in their squad.

In the early match (00:45 on February 26th), Atalanta was also backed into a corner. Their 0-2 defeat against Dortmund (Germany) forced the Italian team to play an all-out game at home. However, Dortmund, with their star striker Serhou Guirassy eager to break the Champions League scoring record, proved extremely dangerous on the counter-attack. History shows that Dortmund has won all 10 matches in European competitions when they held a two-goal lead.

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THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/real-madrid-psg-cung-thuan-loi-20260225053455391.htm