After three weeks, Real Madrid returned to Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz with a clear mission: revenge. In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, the Spanish giants narrowly defeated hosts Benfica 1–0, overturning last month’s 4–2 defeat at the same venue that had complicated their domestic campaign.
From the outset, Real dominated possession and tempo, creating several clear chances in the first half. In the 19th minute, a brilliant strike from Vinícius Júnior rattled the post, while in the 40th minute, Kylian Mbappé could not convert a close-range opportunity. Benfica had their own moments, notably in the 24th minute when Fredrik’s shot took a deflection, only for Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to dive and prevent a goal.
The decisive moment came shortly after half-time. In the 50th minute, Vinícius received a pass from Mbappé, cut inside the box, and slotted the ball into the far corner. This marked his 31st UEFA Champions League goal, surpassing Kaká (30) to become the second-highest scoring Brazilian in the competition, trailing only Neymar with 43 goals.
The goal sparked a tense incident as Vinícius celebrated towards Benfica supporters, drawing a yellow card from the referee. A heated exchange ensued involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestian, and the Brazilian forward retreated to the dugout. Benfica coach José Mourinho was seen speaking with him, with commentators speculating on a possible racial incident. Real’s coaching staff, including Álvaro Arbeloa, intervened to calm Vinícius, and play was halted for almost ten minutes. Later, in the 85th minute, another confrontation occurred when Vinícius fouled Benfica’s Reus; Mourinho protested and was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Despite Benfica intensifying attacks in the closing minutes, Real held firm, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Other Round of 16 Results
Paris Saint-Germain also secured a first-leg victory, defeating Monaco 3–2 at Stade Louis II. After conceding two early goals within 18 minutes, PSG equalised through Duje Ćaleta-Car and Achraf Hakimi, before Duje’s second strike sealed the win.
Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta 2–0 in Germany, while Juventus suffered a heavy 5–2 loss to Galatasaray, reduced to ten men after Juan Cuadrado received a red card in the 67th minute.
| Match | Result | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica vs Real Madrid | 0–1 | Vinícius 50′; first-leg revenge |
| Monaco vs PSG | 2–3 | Duje double; Hakimi goal |
| Atalanta vs Dortmund | 0–2 | Dortmund controls game |
| Juventus vs Galatasaray | 2–5 | Cuadrado red card; heavy defeat |
The first-leg victories position Real Madrid and PSG strongly for the second legs, while Juventus faces an uphill battle to overturn the deficit.