Benfica vs Real Madrid: Vinícius Júnior Goal and Racism Allegation Overshadow 1–0 Champions League First Leg, with Second Leg Set for Feb. 25

Real Madrid took a narrow 1–0 lead over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout-phase playoff first leg on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a match defined as much by its football as by an on-field racism allegation that triggered an extended stoppage. The return leg is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET in Madrid, where Benfica will need at least one goal to flip the tie. ()

What happened in Benfica vs Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior scored early in the second half to give Real Madrid a 1–0 away win in Lisbon, finishing a counterattack that began with Kylian Mbappé and ended with Vinícius cutting inside and curling a shot into the far corner. ()

The match then moved into crisis mode. Referee François Letexier invoked FIFA’s anti-racism protocol after Vinícius alleged racist abuse involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, leading to an 11-minute stoppage and Real Madrid briefly considering leaving the pitch before play resumed. Benfica manager José Mourinho was later sent off. ()

On the pitch, Benfica pushed for an equalizer but were limited in clear chances, finishing with three shots on target as Real protected the advantage into the final whistle. ()

Benfica vs Real Madrid lineups: key names and how they shaped the night

Real Madrid’s starting XI in Lisbon featured Thibaut Courtois; a back line including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger; a midfield built around Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga; with Arda Güler supporting Vinícius and Mbappé. ()

Benfica started Anatoliy Trubin in goal; a defense led by Nicolás Otamendi; with Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro in midfield; and an attacking line that included Prestianni alongside other creators behind Vangelis Pavlidis. ()

Benfica vs Real Madrid stats and history: why this matchup stays volatile

Historically, Benfica and Real Madrid have produced big-scoreline nights in Europe, and the official head-to-head record shows Benfica holding a narrow edge in wins (3 to 2) with 15 goals scored to Real’s 9. That backdrop matters because it reinforces why a 1–0 first-leg margin is fragile: one Benfica goal in the second leg can instantly turn pressure back onto Madrid. (

Where to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid (second leg) in Eastern Time

The second leg, Benfica at Real Madrid, is listed for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET. ()

Viewing options vary by region. In the United States, the match is scheduled to stream on Paramount+. ()
In the United Kingdom, the first leg was carried via Prime Video listings for Champions League coverage, and similar listings are being used for match availability checks. ()
In Spain, the first leg was shown on Movistar’s Champions League channel lineup. ()

(If you’re outside those markets, the most reliable approach is to check your local Champions League rights holder using the match title and kickoff time, because regional packages can differ even within the same competition week.)

Behind the headline: incentives, stakeholders, and what we still don’t know

The football story is straightforward: Real Madrid want control, Benfica need risk. But the larger story is governance and consequences.

Incentives: Real Madrid’s incentive is to keep the tie calm and professional at the Bernabéu—score first, remove doubt, avoid the kind of emotional spiral that can invite chaos. Benfica’s incentive is to turn the match into a sequence of high-leverage moments (set pieces, transitions, early pressure) where one goal changes everything.

Stakeholders: UEFA, match officials, both clubs’ leadership, and player unions all have reputational exposure depending on what evidence emerges from the racism allegation and how the case is handled. ()

Missing pieces: What exactly was said, what audio/video evidence exists, what disciplinary steps follow, and whether suspensions or sanctions will affect availability for the second leg remain unclear publicly as of the immediate aftermath. ()

What happens next: realistic scenarios and triggers

1. Real Madrid score first (most stabilizing path): Triggered by early tempo and transition chances for Vinícius and Mbappé.

2. Benfica score first (tie flips instantly): Triggered by aggressive pressing or a dead-ball breakthrough.

3. A tight, low-scoring grind: Triggered if Madrid prioritize game management and Benfica struggle to create high-quality chances.

4. A match dominated by discipline and emotion: Triggered if the controversy continues to shape crowd/player dynamics, raising the risk of cards, stoppages, or sideline flashpoints.

For Benfica vs Real Madrid, the football problem is a one-goal deficit. The bigger test—before, during, and after kickoff—is whether the second leg can be played with competitive intensity without repeating the uglier, unresolved elements that defined the first night in Lisbon.