Real Madrid - Benfica: Vinícius Jr seals progress in real madrid - benfica tie

Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 at the Bernabeu, 3-1 on aggregate, to progress to the Champions League round of 16 in a tie shadowed by racial abuse allegations and a disciplinary decision. In the return leg Vinícius Jr curled into the bottom corner to seal his side’s progress and preserve the 1-0 advantage they had earned in the first leg.

Key second‑leg turning points

Benfica went ahead on the night when Rafa Silva tapped in, only for Aurelien Tchouameni to sweep home two minutes later to restore the aggregate lead after Real had won the first leg 1-0. Vinícius Jr, who scored the first‑leg winner, added the decisive strike in the 80th minute, curling the ball into the bottom corner and giving Real breathing space in the tie. The match finished Real Madrid 2, Benfica 1, and 3-1 on aggregate.

Real Madrid - Benfica reaction

Support was visible in the stands before kick‑off when a banner with the words "no to racism" in Spanish was displayed by home fans. Vinícius Jr celebrated his first‑leg goal by dancing near the corner flag and produced the same celebration after his 80th‑minute strike on Wednesday; the Brazilian posted on social media after the match that "the dance goes on. "

Tchouameni: "victory for everyone"

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni described the result as "a victory for everyone who stands against racism. " He said: "I think there are more important things than this match, than football. " Tchouameni added: "Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. " He defended the decision to bar the accused player from the return leg, saying: "I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match. " He concluded: "Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us. "

Prestianni ban and suspension

Vinícius Jr had alleged he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in last week's first leg; Prestianni denied the allegation. Prestianni was handed a one‑match ban and missed Wednesday's return leg. Additionally, Prestianni was suspended by UEFA tonight after an appeal was dismissed.

Injuries, clashes and reactions

Madrid's Raul Asencio was withdrawn on a stretcher after an accidental aerial clash with team‑mate Eduardo Camavinga. Reactions to Vinícius's performance came from several figures: England defender Trent Alexander‑Arnold said Vinícius had been his usual self before the fixture, "very chilled" and "very relaxed, " adding, "He didn't need to score to send a message or show his mentality, " and: "He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone because he's shown time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him the most. He knows his quality and what he brings to the team. " Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole said: "He was brilliant over both legs. His finish was superb. " Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa said: "[I reacted] with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it. "

Champions League view and March

Real Madrid's win leaves 16 teams remaining in the 2025-26 Champions League – six of them from the Premier League. For many years Italy was a major powerhouse of European football: from 2005 to 2012 the country had three clubs in the last 16 every year, but this season, like last, it is just one, with Atalanta their only representative. Real Madrid might face Sporting CP in the last 16, but they could also draw Manchester City. If games are taken in isolation rather than as two‑legged ties, Real and City have five wins each and five draws from their 15 meetings, which date back to 2012; Pep Guardiola's side won the last meeting 2-1 in Madrid in this season's group phase. On the evidence of the tie, Manchester City would fancy their chances unless Real get a few of their big players back from injury. After a couple of weeks of play‑off ties and some excellent games, the Champions League reaches the real business end of the competition when it returns for the last 16 in March.

Real Madrid 2 Benfica 1 (3-1 agg): Vinícius Jr seals Madrid’s progress, but where was Mourinho?

All details above reflect the sequence of events, quotes and disciplinary outcomes provided in the match coverage.