Real Madrid-Benfica match with 1,800 spectators after high-risk classification.

By lastmanpredict@gmail.com On Feb 24, 2026

Enhanced security measures at the Bernabéu game.

The UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica , scheduled for this Wednesday, will have a security detail of around 1,800 officers, following its classification as a “high-risk” match by the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport.

This classification, announced by the government delegation in Madrid, obliges clubs to implement enhanced security measures, including stricter controls on ticket sales, physical separation of fans in the stands, and tighter surveillance at stadium entrances.

The security operation was designed to prevent incidents and will involve various branches of the Spanish National Police, such as the police intervention unit, the provincial intelligence brigade, the mobile brigade, canine units, underground teams, and an aerial service with drones. The Madrid Municipal Police, firefighters, and Real Madrid’s private security will also be part of the operation, which will extend to the capital’s metro network with an increased number of security guards.

More than 4,200 Benfica fans with tickets are expected at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, which has a capacity of 73,000 spectators. Given the complexity of the controls, authorities recommend that fans arrive at the stadium early to facilitate the entry process before the start of the game, which kicks off at 8:00 PM (Lisbon time).

It should be recalled that the atmosphere surrounding the tie became tense after the first leg last week. During the game at the Estádio da Luz, which Real Madrid won 1-0, Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior complained of being called a “monkey” by Gianluca Prestianni after scoring the only goal of the match.

The Argentine winger has been provisionally suspended by UEFA and will miss the second leg of the play-off in Madrid, despite having traveled with the team.