Real Madrid win 2-1 over Benfica at the Bernabéu and reach the last 16
real madrid beat Benfica 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate at the Santiago Bernabéu, a victory sealed by goals from Tchouaméni and Vinicius that sent the club into the Champions League last 16 and left Benfica unable to force extra time.
Real Madrid head to octavos after late Vinicius finish
Vinicius closed the tie with a goal in the 80th minute to make it 2-1 at the Bernabéu, after Rafa Silva had earlier levelled for Benfica. The result left the aggregate score 3-1 and confirmed Madrid’s place in the round of 16, where they will await either Manchester City or Sporting de Portugal.
How the goals unfolded and a disallowed strike
Benfica’s opener came in the 14th minute: Pavlidis ran on to a ball in space and fed it across to the penalty spot, where Asencio’s touch diverted the ball toward his own goal; Courtois parried, but the rebound fell to Rafa Silva, who finished to equalise the tie. Real Madrid regained the lead when Tchouaméni shot from the edge of the area after a pass back from Valverde; Gonzalo’s dragging run had pulled defenders away and helped free the French midfielder for the strike. Earlier, Arda Güler had put the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside by the match officials because of Gonzalo’s position before the Turkish player’s effort. In the second half Rafa Silva also hit the crossbar before Vinicius’ 80th-minute finish sealed the win.
Injury scare and stoppage time
A heavy collision between Asencio and Camavinga forced Asencio from the field on a stretcher wearing a collar after what was described as a brutal blow; the striker was taken to hospital and the coach Arbeloa said, "Asencio se ha ido al hospital, esperemos que sea un susto. " The referee added nine minutes for the time Asencio lay on the pitch.
Off-field moments: Ramos, Mourinho and the atmosphere
Sergio Ramos made a point of attending the match at the Santiago Bernabéu to watch his former club’s victory. Benfica’s coach José Mourinho followed the defeat from the team bus and was described as having kept to the parking area during the match. Tension in the stadium was heightened by the racism complaint from the first leg; that atmosphere saw members of the Benfica crowd direct hostility at Vinicius during the night.
Decisive saves, substitutions and sideline views
Thibaut Courtois produced key saves that prevented Benfica from forcing extra time and were described as decisive for Madrid’s progress. Gonzalo and Arda Güler were substituted for Palacios and Pitarch during the second half. A club canterano stopped a promising Benfica attack and received a yellow card for the intervention; that youth player later told Movistar he was "on cloud nine" after taking part in the match.
Reactions and opinions from the night
Commentators and columnists highlighted the two "golazos" from Tchouaméni and Vinicius, with one noting that those strikes ended Benfica’s resistance and put the club into the last 16. Another commentator called Vinicius’ goal decisive because the match had been getting tangled amid Benfica’s strong start. Praise circulated for Tchouaméni’s current level and for Vinicius’ influence in the tie; conversely, critics singled out Prestianni for a poor intervention on the crucial play. One columnist wrote that Real Madrid reached the round of 16—the minimum asked of them—but that their play still failed to inspire full confidence.
The draw for the round of 16 is scheduled for Friday; Madrid will learn whether they face Manchester City or Sporting de Portugal.
