Real Madrid faced off against Benfica earlier tonight as they hoped to secure a win on the road in their UEFA Champions League playoff first-leg clash. Los Blancos made a solid start to the game but were held to a scoreless draw at the half-time break.
Vinicius Junior gave his team the lead in the 50th minute. Alvaro Arbeloa’s men defended their slender advantage well and earned a narrow 1-0 away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each [Real Madrid](https://the4thofficial.net/category/leagues/la-liga/real-madrid/) player fared during the clash against Benfica.
**GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7/10**
He made a few solid saves at the back and secured an important clean sheet tonight.
**RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5/10**
Alexander-Arnold performed his defensive duties well and made two key chances in the final third.
**CB: Antonio Rudiger – 7/10**
He put his foot through the ball when he could and was tidy with his passing.
**CB: Dean Huijsen – 8/10**
The Spaniard put his foot through the ball when he could and was a strong presence in the air.
LISBON, PORTUGAL – FEBRUARY 17: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid reacts and gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio do SL Benfica on February 17, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
**LB: Alvaro Carreras – 7/10**
Carreras was a positive influence at both ends of the field.
**RW: Federico Valverde – 7.5/10**
He came back to defend when he could and caught the eye at times on the right flank.
**CM: Arda Guler – 7/10**
Guler was not shy of attempting a shot but failed to find the back of the net tonight.
**CM: Aurelien Tchouameni – 8/10**
He anchored the midfield with conviction and made one good chance going forward.
**LW: Eduardo Camavinga – 7/10**
Camavinga performed his defensive responsibilities well and made two inviting chances in the final third.
**ST: Kylian Mbappe – 6.5/10**
He caused a few headaches for his marker and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
**ST: Vinicius Junior – 8/10**
The Brazilian sensation caused a lot of problems for his marker and managed to score the only goal of the game in the 50th minute.
**Substitutes:**
**RW: Brahim Diaz – N/A**
**CM: Thiago Pitarch – N/A**
**RB: Dani Carvajal – N/A**