UCL talking points: Madrid, PSG or Italian football -- who is worse off? - ESPN

ESPN

by Multiple contributors

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Real Madrid secured a 3-1 victory over Benfica in the Champions League playoff despite an underwhelming performance, sparking debate about whether their lackluster display reflects deeper issues within the team. While they have elite talent like Kylian Mbappé and Thibaut Courtois, critics argue that their poor gameplay and defensive vulnerabilities could hinder their chances in the knockout stage. Some experts believe Real Madrid’s ability to win despite playing badly is a testament to their star power, while others see it as a sign of structural weaknesses that could come back to haunt them against stronger opponents. The broader picture of the playoff round revealed mixed results across the board. Juventus and Galatasaray delivered an intense extra-time clash, with the latter emerging victorious in a thrilling 2-1 scoreline. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s collapse after building a two-goal lead highlighted the unpredictability of European football, while Benfica gave Real Madrid a scare but ultimately fell short. These results underscored the unpredictable nature of the competition and the challenges teams face in navigating high-stakes matches. The debate over Real Madrid’s prospects raises important questions about what it takes to win the Champions League. While they possess world-class players, their lack of cohesion and defensive lapses raise doubts about their ability to handle tougher opponents in the next round. The outcome of the tournament will depend on whether teams can maintain consistency and adaptability under pressure. For Real Madrid, proving their doubters wrong would require a significant upturn in performance and a more cohesive

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026