Real Madrid Progresses to Champions League Round of 16
Real Madrid has successfully navigated past Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs, securing their place in the Round of 16. The Spanish giants clinched a 2-1 victory in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate win over their Portuguese opponents.
The decisive goal came from Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. in the 80th minute, breaking a tense deadlock and ensuring Madrid's progression. This victory marks their continued pursuit of the prestigious European title.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The second leg saw an early exchange of goals, setting a competitive tone for the encounter. Benfica initially took the lead in the 14th minute through Rafa Silva, briefly leveling the aggregate score. However, Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Aurelien Tchouameni finding the equalizer just two minutes later, in the 16th minute, restoring Madrid's aggregate advantage. The match remained finely poised until Vinicius Jr.'s late heroics.
Despite the final score, Real Madrid faced a challenging night, playing without their injured French superstar Kylian Mbappé. Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho (who was suspended for the match), also had to contend without midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, who was provisionally banned following an alleged racial incident involving Vinicius Jr. in the first leg.
Road to the Round of 16
The victory at the Santiago Bernabéu confirmed Real Madrid's advancement from the knockout phase play-offs. The first leg, played in Lisbon, had seen Real Madrid secure a narrow 1-0 lead, making the aggregate score 3-1 in their favor after the second leg. The club now awaits the draw for the Round of 16, where they could potentially face either Manchester City or Sporting CP.
The match was played under the shadow of the alleged racial abuse incident from the first leg, with Vinicius Jr.'s performance and decisive goal drawing significant attention. Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa praised the Brazilian's impact on the game.
5 Comments
Raphael
This match was overshadowed by the Prestianni incident. Football needs to address these issues better.
Bermudez
Another step closer to the final! This team has that winning mentality.
Eugene Alta
That's how you respond to adversity. Vini showed pure class and determination tonight.
Noir Black
Benfica put up an admirable fight, showing great character despite the aggregate deficit and missing Prestianni. Real Madrid ultimately prevailed, but their defense looked vulnerable at times, suggesting there are areas for improvement before facing top-tier teams.
Habibi
Vini Jr. is pure magic! What a decisive goal to secure the win.