Real Madrid advance after tense 2-1 win over Benfica at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid sealed passage to the Champions League round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Bernabéu, completing a 3-1 aggregate success; the win included a late, decisive goal from Vinicius and left the club awaiting a draw that may pair them with Manchester City or Sporting de Portugal.
Real Madrid clinch last-16 spot
The tie finished 3-1 on aggregate, with Real Madrid overcoming Benfica in the return leg at the Bernabéu. Tchouaméni restored Madrid in front after Benfica had levelled the tie, and Vinicius sealed the victory with a goal in the 80th minute. The win puts Real Madrid into the pot for the round of 16, where they will face either Manchester City or Sporting de Portugal; the draw is scheduled for Friday, and further rounds will be decided this same week.
Match events and goals
The game opened with Benfica pressing high and Madrid struggling early. In the 14th minute Pavlidis received a ball in space and played a horizontal pass to the penalty spot where Asencio touched the ball toward his own goal; Courtois made the initial save but the rebound was collected by Rafa Silva to equalise the tie. Madrid reacted later in the first half when Tchouaméni struck from the edge of the area after a pass back from Valverde to put his team ahead. Arda Güler had what looked like a goal around the half-hour mark, but the effort was ruled out for offside involving Gonzalo. In the second half Rafa Silva hit the crossbar, and Vinicius buried the decisive goal in the 80th minute to settle the contest.
Injuries, medical response and added time
A serious collision between Asencio and Camavinga produced a scare at the Bernabéu. The central defender was withdrawn on a stretcher and with a neck brace after a heavy clash with the French midfielder. Asencio was taken to hospital and the club expressed hope it was only a scare. The referee added 9 minutes of stoppage time to account for the lengthy stoppage while Asencio lay on the pitch.
Reactions, player notes and controversy
Several voices highlighted individual performances and tensions around the game. Observers praised Vinicius for a brilliant goal and celebration; one assessment called Vinicius a reliable knockout-stage performer and a decisive presence. By contrast, Prestianni was described as ineffective in the contest. Commentators noted that Benfica fans directed frustration toward Vinicius and that the atmosphere was influenced by a racism complaint from the first leg. Critics argued that, while Real Madrid reached the last 16—the minimum expectation—their overall play still failed to inspire full confidence.
Substitutions, cautions and closing moments
Late in the match Gonzalo and Güler were replaced by Palacios and Pitarch. A home academy player halted a promising Benfica move and was shown a yellow card in the closing phases. A Portuguese attempt saw a heel flick from Schjelderup that threatened the home goal. In the end, Courtois’s saves were described as decisive in preventing Benfica from forcing extra time.
What comes next for Real Madrid
Real Madrid now await the last-16 draw, which will determine whether they meet Manchester City or Sporting de Portugal. The draw is set for Friday; players and staff expressed that they will focus on internal adjustments, particularly defensive organization, even as confidence rises from the victory. The club moves into the knockout phase but will carry questions about rhythm and defensive solidity into the next stage.
