Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Benfica: Laura Woods Leads TNT Sports Coverage with Joe Cole and Steve McManaman
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Where to Watch Real Madrid vs Benfica: Laura Woods Leads TNT Sports Coverage with Joe Cole and Steve McManaman
Football fans across the UK can catch the thrilling UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica live on TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sports Ultimate 4K at 20:00 UK time from the iconic Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Presenter Laura Woods, a seasoned broadcaster known for her engaging style on major matches, will front the coverage alongside main commentator Darren Fletcher, whose distinctive voice has narrated countless Champions League epics during his storied career with BT Sport and now TNT Sports. Co-commentator Steve McManaman, a former Real Madrid star with two Champions League winners' medals from his Liverpool and Los Blancos days, brings invaluable insider insight, while pundits Joe Cole, the ex-Chelsea and England midfielder turned sharp analyst, and Fara Williams, England's record caps holder and women's football icon, complete a top-tier team.
This mouth-watering clash sees Real Madrid holding a slender 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to Vinícius Júnior's moment of magic in the first leg in Lisbon, as Los Blancos chase a record-extending 29th consecutive round of 16 appearance[1][2]. Benfica, the two-time European champions, arrive with momentum from a 3-0 domestic win but face hurdles including the UEFA-upheld ban on Gianluca Prestianni and the absence of manager José Mourinho after his first-leg dismissal[2][3]. Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has praised young talent Arda Guler for linking stars like Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé, though Gonzalo García is expected to deputise up front[1][4].
British viewers have plenty of options beyond TNT Sports. BBC Radio 5 Live offers expert audio coverage with reporter Conor McNamara, a familiar voice from years of Champions League and Premier League duties. Sky Sports News and HD feature reporter Giorgia Cenni for updates, while other channels include Discovery+ UK for subscribers. In the Republic of Ireland, Premier Sports 1 HD uses the world feed with commentator Guy Mowbray, a BBC stalwart with decades of top-flight experience, and co-commentator Sue Smith, the ex-England forward and Leeds legend. Additional feeds like beIN Sports MENA English 1 HD have reporter Adriano Del Monte on the ground.
Two other broadcast teams cater to Irish audiences: one led by presenter Peter Collins, a veteran Irish pundit and former player, with main commentator Des Curran, co-commentator Ronnie Whelan—the Liverpool icon who won six league titles and a European Cup—and pundit Richie Sadlier, ex-Millwall striker turned respected RTE analyst. The second features presenter Adrian Durham, known for his passionate talkSPORT shows, alongside commentator Jim Proudfoot and co-commentator Scott Minto, the ex-Chelsea defender with Champions League pedigree.
For more on the competition's broadcast rights in the UK, check out UEFA's official preview, which lists local partners worldwide[1][5]. With Real Madrid's firepower—Mbappé boasting 13 goals in eight matches[2]—and Benfica's threats like Vangelis Pavlidis, this second leg promises drama. Tune in to your preferred channel, grab the popcorn, and enjoy what could be another Bernabéu classic.
Article generated: 25 February 2026, 20:11 GMT
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