Real Madrid have dramatically advanced to the Champions League round of 16, courtesy of a mesmerising goal from Vinícius Júnior, completing a 3–1 aggregate victory over Benfica. The Spanish giants, known affectionately as Los Blancos, overcame an early setback to assert their authority and maintain their status as Europe’s most decorated club.
The match began with a tense atmosphere, particularly for Vinícius, who had faced racist abuse just eight days earlier while wearing a blue jersey at international duty. Today, donning Real Madrid’s iconic white, the Brazilian star turned adversity into triumph. Despite missing Kylian Mbappé from the opposing side, Benfica took the lead in the 14th minute, leaving Real momentarily on the back foot.
However, Real responded swiftly. Only two minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni restored parity, silencing the crowd and setting the stage for a tense remainder of the match. The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Vinícius produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past defenders and slotting the ball into the net to secure a 2–1 win on the night and a 3–1 triumph across both legs.
With this victory, Real Madrid continue their storied Champions League journey, reinforcing their reputation as the competition’s most successful side. The draw for the round of 16, scheduled for Friday, will determine whether Los Blancos face Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next stage.
Match Summary: Real Madrid vs Benfica
| Leg | Home Team | Away Team | Score | Key Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Leg | Benfica | Real Madrid | 1–2 | Tchouaméni, Vinícius |
| Second Leg | Real Madrid | Benfica | 2–1 | Tchouaméni (14′), Vinícius (80′) |
| Aggregate | – | – | 3–1 | Vinícius, Tchouaméni |
Vinícius’ goal not only secured progression but also symbolised resilience and redemption, turning a week of controversy into a personal and professional triumph. Real Madrid fans will hope this momentum continues as the draw approaches, potentially setting up a blockbuster tie against Manchester City, Europe’s reigning Premier League champions, or the Portuguese side Sporting CP.
Los Blancos’ journey underscores their enduring dominance in European football, a legacy that spans over a century, and their capacity to thrive under pressure remains unmatched. With the round of 16 looming, anticipation is high, and the footballing world watches eagerly to see whether Vinícius and company can continue their Champions League legacy.