Vinícius Júnior Stars as Real Madrid Beat Benfica to Reach Champions League Last 16
Real Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a 3–1 aggregate success.
Once again, Vinícius Júnior was the decisive figure. The Brazilian forward struck the winner 10 minutes from time, finishing clinically from the inside-left channel to send the home crowd into raptures. He followed it with a familiar celebration—dancing by the corner flag—mirroring his joy from the first leg in Lisbon.
Early scare, swift response
Benfica threatened an upset when Rafa Silva equalised the tie after 14 minutes, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to score from close range.
But Real responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni netted his first Champions League goal, sweeping home from the edge of the box after a smart assist from Federico Valverde.
Controlled finish despite disruptions
Real controlled large spells thereafter. Thibaut Courtois made several key saves to preserve the aggregate lead, while chances for Eduardo Camavinga and Vinícius were denied by Benfica keeper Anatoliy Trubin.
An earlier Real goal was ruled out for offside after VAR review, and there was concern when Raúl Asencio was stretchered off with a suspected neck injury. Despite the interruptions—and with Kylian Mbappé sidelined through injury—Madrid stayed composed.
Vinícius delivers again
The tie was finally settled when Vinícius showed his composure and class, opening his body to guide a precise finish into the far corner—an emphatic response after an emotionally charged build-up following allegations of racial abuse in the first leg.
Real Madrid march on, their Champions League quest alive and well, powered once more by Vinícius Júnior’s decisive brilliance
