Real Madrid - Benfica: Vinicius Jr seals progression amid racism dispute and stretchered teammate
Real Madrid progressed to the Champions League round of 16 after a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Bernabeu, completing a 3-1 aggregate win. The Real Madrid - Benfica tie carried wider significance beyond the scoreboard after allegations of racial abuse and a UEFA suspension shaped the return leg.
Gianluca Prestianni suspension and fan response
Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni missed the return leg after receiving a one-match ban, a disciplinary action upheld when an appeal was dismissed by UEFA. Home supporters displayed a banner reading "no to racism" in Spanish before kick-off, and teammates framed the outcome as more than a sporting result. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni described the win as a victory for those who stand against racism and said that not allowing Prestianni to play was the right decision.
Vinicius Jr impact and the 80th-minute finish
Vinicius Jr, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, curled an effort into the bottom corner in the 80th minute of the return match to give Real breathing space and seal their progression. The Brazilian had opened the tie in the first leg and repeated his corner-flag celebration after the second strike; he later posted the phrase "the dance goes on. " Former players and staff praised his performances: Joe Cole called him "brilliant over both legs" with a "superb" finish, and Real boss Alvaro Arbeloa said he reacted with joy because Vinicius deserved it.
Aurelien Tchouameni equaliser after Rafa Silva opener
Benfica took the lead on the night when Rafa Silva tapped in, only for Aurelien Tchouameni to sweep home two minutes later and restore Real's aggregate advantage. Tchouameni's first-half equaliser kept Madrid ahead across the tie, and he reflected that there were things more important than football while praising Vinicius's focus and confidence.
Raul Asencio stretchered off after clash with Eduardo Camavinga
Madrid's Raul Asencio was withdrawn on a stretcher following an accidental aerial collision with team-mate Eduardo Camavinga. Medical staff attended the field and Asencio was taken off for treatment; the collision interrupted play and necessitated his removal from the match.
Champions League landscape and potential round of 16 opponents
Real Madrid's win leaves 16 teams remaining in the 2025-26 Champions League, with six representatives from the Premier League and Atalanta the sole Italian club left. The draw for the round of 16 is scheduled for Friday, and Real could be paired with Sporting CP or Manchester City. Historical head-to-heads matter: Real and Manchester City have met 15 times since 2012 with five wins apiece and five draws, and Pep Guardiola's side prevailed 2-1 in the most recent meeting in Madrid earlier this season. Observers noted that Real's prospects in the last 16 may hinge on getting a few of their big players back from injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, a defensive colleague, said Vinicius had been calm and composed before the match—"very chilled" and "very relaxed"—and that he does not need to score to demonstrate his mentality. What makes this notable is how on-field events and off-field disciplinary decisions combined to shape a tie that carried clear competitive and moral stakes: a one-match suspension removed a Benfica participant from the fixture, a crowd banner signaled collective opposition to racist behaviour, and the players settled the tie on the pitch with two decisive goals and a stretchered withdrawal that underscored the match's physical toll.
