Real Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with a 2-1 win over Benfica on Wednesday night, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The spotlight was firmly on Vinícius Júnior, who delivered a decisive performance after a week dominated by controversy. The Brazilian forward scored the match-winning goal late in the game, responding on the pitch to criticism and hostility surrounding the tie.
Benfica struck first in the 14th minute through Rafa Silva, capitalising on early pressure. Madrid responded quickly as Aurélien Tchouaméni levelled the score with a composed finish from the edge of the box.
The match remained finely balanced after the break, with both sides creating chances. Tension rose when Vinícius hit the crossbar on the hour mark, but the breakthrough arrived in the 80th minute. Federico Valverde’s through ball released Vinícius, who timed his run perfectly before slotting home to settle the tie.
After scoring, Vinícius celebrated with his trademark dance in front of the home supporters, as the Bernabéu crowd displayed a “No to Racism” banner. The celebration followed his accusation in the first leg that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist slur at him. Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA and did not feature in Madrid.
Tchouaméni dedicated the win to the fight against discrimination, saying the result stood for “everyone who stands against racism.” Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold praised Vinícius’ composure under pressure, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the forward’s celebrations were a sign of confidence and form.
Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa welcomed Madrid’s continued European consistency, as the club reached the Round of 16 for the 30th consecutive time—maintaining their perfect record of never exiting the competition at the group or league stage.
Madrid were without Kylian Mbappé, who missed the match due to a knee injury. Arbeloa confirmed the absence was precautionary and said the forward is expected back once fully fit.
Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the next round, with the draw scheduled for Friday.
Elsewhere, Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the last 16 after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Monaco, progressing 5-4 on aggregate. PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted his side struggled early but said the demanding schedule had prepared them for high-level competition. PSG will meet either Barcelona or Chelsea in the next round.
