Real Madrid Shock: Defeat to Benfica Costs Them Direct Champions League Qualification

Kenya, 29 January 2026 - Real Madrid’s hopes of securing direct entry to the Champions League round of 16 were dealt a stunning blow on the final night of the league phase after a 4-2 defeat away at Benfica in Lisbon.

The loss not only denied Los Blancos a top-eight finish but also forced them into the knockout play-offs instead of automatic progression.

In a match that will go down as one of the season’s most dramatic in Europe, Benfica emerged victorious thanks to a combination of clinical finishing and crucial late drama. Real Madrid had taken the lead early through Kylian Mbappé, but goals from Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis put the hosts ahead by halftime. A late strike from Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in stoppage time sealed a remarkable 4-2 win, ultimately tipping the qualification balance.

The Spanish giants needed at least a draw to guarantee a top-eight finish and avoid the extra knockout round in February. Instead, they slipped to ninth place in the expanded 36-team league table and will now have to navigate the two-legged knockout play-offs to reach the last 16.

Real Madrid’s defeat came on a frantic final matchday across Europe, where several other heavyweights secured victories that boosted their own qualification prospects. Teams like Barcelona, Chelsea,  and Manchester City all won their games, helping them stay safely within the top eight and avoid the additional play-off hurdle.

Missing automatic qualification is a significant setback for Madrid, who entered the final matchday sitting comfortably in a qualifying spot but were unable to maintain that position. The club now faces the challenge of two more high-pressure fixtures in the next stage of the competition – a tougher path that demands consistency and focus.

In contrast to Real Madrid’s disappointment, other European giants managed to secure their direct passage.