Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League last 16 after Vinicius Junior’s decisive goal secured a 2-1 victory over Benfica on Wednesday night, giving the Spanish giants a 3-1 aggregate win.
The Brazilian forward’s clinical strike proved the difference in a match overshadowed by controversy, following allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg, a claim the Argentine midfielder denies.
Benfica, under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, started brightly and stunned the Santiago Bernabeu with an early opener from Rafa Silva.
However, Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni quickly restored parity, finishing Federico Valverde’s surging cross with composure.
Despite Benfica’s spirited challenge, Vinicius stepped up on 80 minutes, calmly slotting past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin after a slick pass from Valverde, effectively ending the tie.
“That is our Vinicius,” Tchouameni told Movistar, praising his teammate’s impact.
Mourinho returned to the Bernabeu for the first time since his Real Madrid tenure (2010–2013), though a suspension prevented him from taking his place on the bench.
Meanwhile, Real’s squad featured Gonzalo Garcia filling in for the injured Kylian Mbappe, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa commending Vinicius for creating constant danger.
Benfica were without Prestianni due to a UEFA ban, and Madrid hung a large “No to Racism” banner as the match proceeded under the shadow of last week’s incident.
Early boos greeted Vinicius from the visiting fans, but he remained composed, including an early penalty appeal that was denied.
After Silva’s 14th-minute opener, courtesy of a misdirected clearance by Raul Asencio, Madrid hit back instantly through Tchouameni, who finished expertly from the edge of the box.
Madrid briefly thought they had taken the lead when Arda Guler tapped in a loose ball, but the goal was ruled offside after VAR intervention.
The first half saw Courtois make a key save from Richard Rios, while Silva struck the crossbar in a lively Benfica display.
Madrid suffered a scare when Asencio went off on a stretcher following a collision with Eduardo Camavinga, though Arbeloa reassured that the injury did not appear serious.
Ultimately, it was Vinicius who delivered the knockout blow, celebrating once again with his signature dance by the corner flag, much to the delight of thousands of Real fans.
Courtois joked afterward, “I’m happy that Vini’s dancing, still dancing, because it means he’s scoring goals.”
The 25-year-old’s strike confirmed Real Madrid’s passage to the last 16, ensuring that despite the week’s drama, the team progressed on merit.
