Real Madrid vs Benfica LIVE: 1-1 After Wild Opening — Tie Level on Aggregate
A stunning two-minute burst in the opening quarter-hour has turned this UEFA Champions League playoff second leg on its head. Benfica struck first, and Real Madrid fired back almost immediately. The Bernabéu is rocking and the tie is now perfectly poised.
Current Live Score: Real Madrid 1–1 Benfica
Aggregate: LEVEL at 1–1 — Benfica now lead on away goals rules / Extra time looms
MATCH IN PROGRESS — February 25, 2026 | Santiago Bernabéu
| Goal | Player | Team | Minute |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚽ | Rafa Silva | Benfica | 14' |
| ⚽ | Aurélien Tchouaméni | Real Madrid | 16' |
Goalscorers so far: Rafa Silva (14') for Benfica and Aurélien Tchouaméni (16') for Real Madrid. The aggregate score sits level at 1-1 overall, meaning if the score stays this way, the tie goes to extra time.
How the Goals Happened
After Thibaut Courtois spilled the rebound, Rafa Silva pounced on the loose ball and finished into an open net to score the opening goal of the game for Benfica in the 14th minute. It was a stunning start for the visitors — exactly what José Mourinho's side needed after going into the night trailing on aggregate.
Real Madrid's response was instant and clinical. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Tchouaméni switched play to the right, where Federico Valverde delivered a cross to the edge of the box, and the French midfielder arrived to finish clinically and score the equalizer. It was Tchouaméni's first goal of the season and it arrived at the perfect moment, silencing the shock around the Bernabéu.
What Each Team Needs Right Now
With the aggregate tied at 1-1, the situation is critical for both sides. Real Madrid must score again to take control and book their Round of 16 spot. Benfica need just one more goal to eliminate the 15-time European champions and complete a stunning comeback across the two legs.
The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 takes place Friday at 6:00 AM ET. The winner of this tie faces either Sporting CP or Manchester City.
Early Match Momentum: Benfica Press, Madrid Counter
Early in the match, Benfica created two almost consecutive chances — Leandro Barreiro headed a Schjelderup cross with Courtois making the save, followed immediately by Rafa shooting with his left foot, which Courtois stopped again — just moments before Rafa would eventually break through.
Benfica are pressing high up the pitch, looking to force a defensive mistake from Real Madrid while maintaining possession. Real Madrid are holding their defensive shape and waiting to catch Benfica on the counterattack, with Vinícius Júnior as their primary outlet.
Key Absences Shaping the Game
Real Madrid are severely depleted tonight. Out for Madrid are Rodrygo (suspension), Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Éder Militão (leg), and Dani Ceballos (thigh), along with Kylian Mbappé (knee). For Benfica, José Mourinho serves a touchline suspension after being sent off in the first leg, and Gianluca Prestianni is suspended following his alleged racial abuse of Vinícius Júnior.
This is a developing match. The Bernabéu second leg is live on Paramount+ in the United States. Refresh for the latest live score and goal updates.
