In a dramatic display of resilience, Real Madrid have secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16, thanks to a magical goal from Vinícius Júnior. The Spanish giants overcame Benfica 3-1 on aggregate, with the Brazilian star once again proving decisive in a high-stakes clash.
Eight days after facing racial abuse while wearing his blue national team jersey, Vinícius donned Real Madrid’s iconic white kit and delivered a performance to remember. Despite missing star forward Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid conceded an early goal in the 14th minute, falling behind. However, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni swiftly restored parity just two minutes later, setting the stage for a tense encounter.
The match remained finely poised until the 80th minute, when Vinícius produced a moment of individual brilliance, sending the Los Blancos faithful into jubilation. His goal ultimately sealed a 2-1 victory in the second leg, confirming Real Madrid’s 3-1 aggregate triumph over Benfica.
With this win, the record 14-time European champions advance to the Round of 16, where they will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP. The draw, scheduled for Friday, will determine the next challenge for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
Match Summary
| Team | First Leg | Second Leg | Aggregate | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica | 1 | 1 | 1 | Eliminated |
| Real Madrid | 1 | 2 | 3 | Advanced |
Vinícius’ performance underlines his growing influence at the club, not just as a prolific winger but as a talisman capable of turning pivotal moments in Real Madrid’s favour. Following their hard-fought victory, the team now looks forward to facing a formidable opponent in the next round, aiming to extend their illustrious European record.
With champions’ pedigree and tactical acumen, Los Blancos remain one of the favourites to progress deep into the tournament, blending youthful exuberance with experienced leadership.