Real Madrid Vs Benfica: Vinicius and Tchouaméni Turn Controversy into 'Victory for Everyone Who Stands Against Racism'

Real Madrid Vs Benfica produced a charged night at the Bernabéu as Real overturned a first-leg result to win 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, while off-pitch controversy over alleged racial abuse dominated the narrative. Vinicius Jr scored the decisive goal and Aurélien Tchouaméni described the outcome as a "victory for everyone who stands against racism, " after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was suspended and missed the return leg.

Real Madrid Vs Benfica — match recap and key moments

Benfica struck first, levelling the tie after 14 minutes through Rafa Silva, giving the visitors a perfect start in Madrid. Real responded in the first half when Aurélien Tchouaméni produced a powerful long-range strike to restore parity; it was his first goal of the season and part of a performance that earned him player of the match for a second consecutive Champions League game.

The defining moment arrived late in the contest when Vinicius Jr scampered through on goal and netted in the 80th minute to seal the win. Real came from 1-0 down on the night to claim a 2-1 victory that completed a 3-1 aggregate progression to the last 16. The goal was celebrated in the same manner as his finish in the first leg, with a dance by the corner flag; Vinicius later posted on social media that "the dance goes on. " The strike effectively ended the contest and carried clear emotional weight.

With progression confirmed, Real will face either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the last 16, an opponent that will be confirmed once that fixture is decided.

Tchouaméni and team reactions: 'a victory for all of us'

Aurélien Tchouaméni framed the win in moral terms, saying the match outcome mattered beyond the result and describing it as a victory for those who oppose racism. He praised Vinicius's focus and confidence, and said it was the right decision that Prestianni did not play the return leg. Tchouaméni was noted in the coverage as being born in France and of Cameroonian descent.

Other voices in the squadroom underlined the point. England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold described Vinicius as unusually composed before kick-off, calling him "very chilled" and "very relaxed, " and saying the forward did not need to score to make a statement. Former players present at the match praised Vinicius's overall contribution over both legs, and Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa reacted with clear delight at the goal, saying he was joyful for both the quality of the finish and for Vinicius personally.

Prestianni suspension, Benfica appeal and club response

The tie was overshadowed by allegations that Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius in the first leg. Prestianni has denied the allegation. UEFA imposed a provisional one-match suspension on Prestianni, ruling him out of the Bernabéu return fixture; he nevertheless travelled with the Benfica squad to Madrid but did not play when the governing body rejected Benfica's last-minute appeal on Wednesday afternoon.

Benfica denied the allegations and the club's president, Rui Costa, said the club would not permit a racist player within the squad. UEFA's disciplinary position was reiterated when it confirmed that Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.

Atmosphere at the Bernabéu and wider significance

Home support made its sentiment visible before kick-off when banners reading "No to racism" in Spanish — and other messages including "Respect" — were displayed and read out as the players entered the field. The crowd reaction amplified the emotional resonance of Vinicius's late strike and framed the tie as more than a sporting contest for many in attendance.

The evening combined sporting drama — a comeback on the night, a 3-1 aggregate victory and a last-16 berth — with an unresolved disciplinary storyline about alleged racial abuse, a provisional suspension, an unsuccessful appeal, and public statements from club leadership. That mix ensured the fixture will be discussed for its immediate outcome and for its wider implications beyond the pitch.