Vinícius Strikes Late as Real Madrid Overcome Benfica to Reach Last 16

Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League last 16 after a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu sealed a 3-1 aggregate win in their playoff tie.

The match unfolded against the backdrop of controversy from the first leg in Lisbon, where allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior surfaced. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the allegation, was absent from Wednesday’s match after UEFA upheld a provisional one-game suspension pending further investigation. Before kick-off, Madrid displayed a banner reading “No to racism,” underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the fixture.

Benfica, managed by José Mourinho, started strongly and took the lead in the 14th minute. A defensive error allowed Rafa Silva to convert from close range after Thibaut Courtois had initially kept out the danger. The visitors’ early advantage briefly reignited hopes of overturning the first-leg deficit.

Madrid responded swiftly. Just two minutes later, Aurélien Tchouaméni levelled with a composed finish from the edge of the area following a cross by Federico Valverde. The equaliser steadied the hosts, who began to assert greater control over possession.

Both sides created chances before the break. Courtois denied Richard Ríos with a sharp save, while Silva struck the crossbar with a deflected effort early in the second half as Benfica maintained pressure. Real Madrid briefly thought they had moved ahead when Arda Güler found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed an offside in the build-up.

With the tie finely balanced, Madrid eventually found the decisive moment in the 80th minute. Valverde’s through ball released Vinícius, who calmly slotted a low finish past Anatoliy Trubin. The Brazilian’s goal proved decisive, ending Benfica’s resistance and confirming Madrid’s progression.

Vinícius celebrated in front of the home crowd, drawing cheers from supporters after a week dominated by discussion of the previous leg’s flashpoint. Mourinho, serving a suspension, was not on the touchline for his return to the Bernabéu, where he previously coached between 2010 and 2013.

Elsewhere in Wednesday’s playoff action, Galatasaray eliminated Juventus after extra time in Turin, scoring twice in the additional period to advance. Atalanta overturned a first-leg deficit to defeat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate, aided by a late penalty that proved decisive. In France, Paris Saint-Germain secured a 5-4 aggregate win over Monaco to book their place in the next round.

Real Madrid, record 15-time European champions, now await Friday’s draw to discover their last-16 opponents as they continue their pursuit of another continental title.