Real Madrid - Benfica: Vinicius seals progress and players speak out against racism
real madrid - benfica ended with Real Madrid overturning a first-half deficit to win 2-1 at the Bernabeu and progress 3-1 on aggregate to the Champions League round of 16, a tie that carried fresh focus on allegations of racial abuse and a strong anti-racism message from players and fans.
Real Madrid comeback at the Bernabeu produced a 3-1 aggregate win
At the Bernabeu, Benfica opened the night when Rafa Silva tapped in to make the tie level on the night, but Aurelien Tchouameni swept home two minutes later to restore Real Madrid's aggregate lead after the teams had met in a first leg that finished 1-0. Vinicius Jr, who scored the only goal in the first leg, then curled in a second-half strike—an 80th-minute finish described as sealing Real's progress in the knockout stages—to complete the 2-1 victory and a 3-1 aggregate result that sends Real into the Champions League round of 16.
Vinicius Jr's goals, corner-flag celebration and social message
Vinicius Jr celebrated his first-leg winner by dancing near the corner flag, and produced the same celebration after his 80th-minute strike at the Bernabeu. The Brazilian posted on social media that "the dance goes on. " His second goal gave Real breathing space and closed the tie after a night in which emotions were high.
Prestianni suspension, fan banner and Tchouameni's remarks
Vinicius had alleged he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg; Prestianni denied the allegation. Prestianni was subsequently handed a one-match ban and was suspended by UEFA after an appeal was dismissed, meaning he missed Wednesday's return leg. Home fans showed support for Vinicius before kick-off with a banner displaying the words "no to racism" in Spanish.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who scored Real's first-half equaliser, framed the result beyond football, calling the win "a victory for everyone who stands against racism" and saying "there are more important things than this match, than football. " He added that he thought it was right that Prestianni had not been allowed to play in the return leg and described the outcome as "a victory for all of us. "
Injury scare: Raul Asencio taken off on a stretcher after clash with Eduardo Camavinga
The match also featured a significant injury incident when Raul Asencio was withdrawn on a stretcher after an accidental aerial clash with team-mate Eduardo Camavinga. Medical attention was required on the pitch and Asencio was unable to continue.
Teammates and pundits react; Champions League picture tightens
Real Madrid's England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said Vinicius had been "very chilled" and "very relaxed" before the fixture, adding that "he didn't need to score to send a message or show his mentality" and that "he doesn't need to prove anything to anyone" because he has shown his quality repeatedly and "steps up when we need him the most. " Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole praised Vinicius as "brilliant over both legs" and said "his finish was superb. " Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa said he reacted "with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it. "
The result moves Real into the round of 16. Six Premier League teams are among the 16 teams remaining in the 2025-26 Champions League, while Atalanta is the competition's sole Italian representative. Real Madrid might draw Sporting CP in the last 16, or could face Manchester City in a high-profile tie; across their history from 2012 the clubs have 15 meetings with five wins each and five draws, and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City won the last meeting 2-1 in Madrid in this season's group phase. Comment in the coverage noted that the competition "now gets serious in the Champions League, " the draw for the round of 16 is due on Friday, and the tournament returns for the last 16 in March.
