Madrid's Bus Survives Benfica Chaos: A Quiet Arrival After a Night of Ultras
17 February 2026
Pre-match drama outside Benfica's stadium
Madrid's team bus faced a delay as it neared Estádio da Luz for Benfica's Champions League playoff.
Inside, Madrid's players remained shielded as chants mounted and a portion of Benfica fans attempted to stop the vehicle.
AS reported that about fifty devoted Benfica supporters clashed with security, but the incident did not produce lasting harm.
The bus was diverted, and police stepped in to prevent injuries on site.
The clash ended peacefully, Real Madrid arrived with only a modest delay.
El Chiringuito, the Spanish program, said the bus had to alter its route to dodge fans and reach the stadium safely.
Benfica's ultras dominated headlines after earlier incidents.
Around 200 supporters gathered at training-ground gates, hoping to speak with coach Jose Mourinho after a disappointing spell.
The club opened its facilities to calm tensions.
Despite the tense scenes, nobody was hurt, and football carried on. Fans will remember this for the wrong reasons, yet the game goes on; the bus finally arrived—after a dramatic Lisbon tour. Punchline 1: rumor travels faster than the bus. Punchline 2: security cheered when windows stayed intact.
