Real Madrid reached the Champions League last 16 again after a tense 2-1 home win over Benfica, sealing a 3-1 aggregate success in their play-off tie.
Vinicius Junior scored in both legs, including an 80th-minute winner at the Estadio Bernabeu, as Alvaro Arbeloa’s team overcame periods of real pressure from the visitors.
The match turned into a demanding night for Madrid without injured forward Kylian Mbappe, with Benfica creating several clear chances. However, Vinicius stayed decisive during a difficult week on and off the pitch, extending a strong personal scoring run and guiding Madrid through nine minutes of added time following a serious-looking injury to Raul Asencio.
This result means Madrid have now reached the Champions League last 16 in every one of the 23 seasons since that round began in 2003-04, the only club to manage this. Vinicius has played a key role, scoring in each of the last five appearances for Madrid in all competitions, with six goals in that stretch, matching a previous run from August to September 2022.
Vinicius also achieved a new personal landmark in Europe, finding the net in both legs of a Champions League knockout tie for Madrid for the first time. The Brazilian’s impact is highlighted further by his role as Madrid’s number seven, stepping up during Mbappe’s absence while still operating within a side that had to be patient and resilient across both matches.
Benfica made the second leg uncomfortable despite trailing from the first game, where Vinicius had already put Madrid ahead in the tie. At the Bernabeu, the visitors created high-quality chances and finished with a stronger expected goals figure, but Madrid’s greater efficiency in key moments proved decisive, especially with their first shot on target of the second half.
Madrid initially fell behind on the night in the 14th minute. Vangelis Pavlidis swung in a cross that Raul Asencio diverted towards the Madrid goal, forcing Thibaut Courtois into a sharp save. The ball ran loose, though, and Rafa reacted quickest to score from close range, briefly stunning the Bernabeu crowd into silence.
The hosts answered almost immediately, equalising just two minutes later. Federico Valverde cut the ball back from the right side, picking out Aurelien Tchouameni on the edge of the area. Tchouameni guided a precise curling shot into the bottom-right corner, restoring control for Madrid and calming the atmosphere inside the stadium.
Madrid thought the game had fully swung their way in the 32nd minute when Arda Guler finished past Anatoliy Trubin. However, the goal was ruled out after a check showed Gonzalo Garcia offside in the build-up, with Garcia’s initial attempt having been saved by the Benfica goalkeeper before Guler turned in the rebound.
Benfica continued to pose threats either side of half-time. Forward Richard Rios forced Courtois into an important save at the near post before the interval, then Rafa clipped the crossbar shortly after the hour mark with another dangerous effort. Madrid struggled to create clear openings after the break until a decisive counterattack late on.
That winning move arrived on 80 minutes and was again finished by Vinicius. Valverde released Vinicius in behind the Benfica defence, and the forward sprinted towards goal before placing a composed side-footed finish beyond Trubin. It was Madrid’s first effort on target of the second half and effectively settled the tie ahead of a long period of stoppage time.
FT: @RealMadridEN 2-1 @slbenfica_en 14' Rafa Silva 16' @atchouameni 80' @vinijr pic.twitter.com/O861d202jwReal Madrid C.F.(@realmadriden) February 25, 2026
Real Madrid Champions League numbers and xG comparison
Underlying figures reflected how hard Madrid had to work. Madrid produced 14 shots but recorded an expected goals total of just 1.11, showing many attempts were from less favourable positions. Benfica, by contrast, had 12 efforts yet registered a higher xG value of 1.98, underlining the quality of chances created by the Portuguese side.
Despite those numbers, Madrid’s greater experience in Champions League knockout football told across the two legs. The combination of Courtois’ key interventions, Tchouameni’s first-half response, and Vinicius’ composed late finish allowed Arbeloa’s side to withstand Benfica’s pressure spells and secure another appearance in the competition’s last 16.
