Real Madrid C.F. v SL Benfica - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg
Back amongst the goals: Vinicius Jr
Real Madrid are into the Champions League round of 16 as goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Jr. helped them dispatch Benfica.
Los Blancos led 1-0 after a controversial first-leg in Portugal, where Vinicius made headlines not only for his winning goal but also for being the target of alleged racist abuse by Gianluca Prestianni, who was suspended for this match despite denying the allegations against him.
Real got through the second-leg largely without incident. There was an early scare when Rafa Silva opened the scoring, but nerves were promptly calmed just two minutes later as Tchouameni curled one home from the edge of the area.
Vinicius then extended the lead beyond doubt as he slotted a finish beyond the reach of Anatoly Trubin late in the second-half, shortly after Raul Asencio left the pitch on a stretcher after a nasty fall.
It was not an inspired performance from Real, but they did enough to ensure their progression and they will now face either Sporting CP or Manchester City in the next round.
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