Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueño has outlined exactly what the club must do to overcome a resilient SL Benfica side in the Champions League playoffs next month.
The two European giants were drawn against each other for the knockout playoffs, with the first leg set for Lisbon in February. The tie comes just weeks after Benfica beat Madrid 4-2 in their final group game to secure this playoff spot.
“We’re going back to Lisbon. It’s strange because we haven’t played against them for 60 years, and now we’re going to play three matches in a month,” Butragueño said.
The director of institutional relations emphasized the need for a strong start away from home against a confident opponent.
“We have to get a good result. They played a great match the other day and showed their strengths,” he explained, referencing Benfica’s recent victory.
Butragueño believes that performance should serve as a warning and a blueprint for Madrid’s preparation, with the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu seen as a decisive advantage.
“That should help us prepare properly for the first leg, get a good result, and, with the support of the Bernabéu, qualify for the round of 16,” the Madrid legend added.
Real Madrid are familiar with this playoff stage, having navigated it successfully last season by beating Manchester City both home and away to advance.
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