Madrid, Spain — Thursday, 26 February 2026:
In a captivating Champions League knockout tie, Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating Benfica 2–1 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate in the second‑leg playoff at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The result extends Los Blancos’ rich continental pedigree while ending Benfica’s hopes of progressing further this season.
In a captivating Champions League knockout tie, Real Madrid secured their place in the Round of 16 after defeating Benfica 2–1 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate in the second‑leg playoff at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The result extends Los Blancos’ rich continental pedigree while ending Benfica’s hopes of progressing further this season.
⚔️ A Tale of Two Halves
Benfica stunned the home crowd with an early breakthrough. After just 14 minutes, Portuguese forward Rafa Silva capitalised on a scramble inside the box to fire Benfica into the lead, briefly leveling the tie on aggregate and setting up a thrilling evening.
Real Madrid responded almost immediately, with French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni nodding home a well‑placed cross from Federico Valverde to make it 1–1 on the night just two minutes later — and restore Madrid’s advantage on aggregate.
The defining moment came in the 80th minute, when Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior collected a precise pass from Valverde, shaped his run expertly, and finished calmly past Benfica’s goalkeeper to put Madrid ahead for good and seal the victory.
🏆 Real’s Path Forward
The aggregate triumph ensures Real Madrid remains on course in Europe’s elite club competition, with their next test to be determined in Friday’s Champions League Round of 16 draw, where they could face formidable opponents such as Manchester City FC or Sporting CP.
🔥 Key Players and Performances
- Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian forward produced the decisive goal, reaffirming his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers in big matches.
- Aurélien Tchouaméni: Delivered a composed and crucial equaliser in Madrid’s midfield engine room.
- Rafa Silva: Gave Benfica early hope with his sharp finish and kept Madrid on their toes in the opening stages.
💥 Controversy Off the Pitch
Tension between the clubs was heightened by events from the first leg in Lisbon, where allegations of racist abuse against Vinícius Júnior surfaced. Gianluca Prestianni, a Benfica player, was provisionally suspended by UEFA pending investigation into the incident — which was widely covered and condemned across European football communities.
📊 What This Win Means
Real Madrid’s victory underscores their enduring European pedigree — the club has consistently navigated knockout rounds in recent campaigns. Benfica’s spirited showing in Madrid, despite ending in defeat, highlights their resilience and continued relevance on the continental stage. Both clubs now move into other phases of European and domestic challenges as the season progresses.
Tension between the clubs was heightened by events from the first leg in Lisbon, where allegations of racist abuse against Vinícius Júnior surfaced. Gianluca Prestianni, a Benfica player, was provisionally suspended by UEFA pending investigation into the incident — which was widely covered and condemned across European football communities.
📊 What This Win Means
Real Madrid’s victory underscores their enduring European pedigree — the club has consistently navigated knockout rounds in recent campaigns. Benfica’s spirited showing in Madrid, despite ending in defeat, highlights their resilience and continued relevance on the continental stage. Both clubs now move into other phases of European and domestic challenges as the season progresses.
