In the high-stakes environment of the UEFA Champions League knockout playoff round, Real Madrid once again showcased their experience and character by overcoming Benfica on February 25, 2026. The 2-1 second-leg triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu secured a 3-1 aggregate victory, booking the Spanish giants’ place in the last 16 of the 2025/26 competition. For online readers passionate about Real Madrid Champions League campaigns, this result carried added significance far beyond the scoreline, as it unfolded against the backdrop of a firm collective stand against racism following allegations involving Vinícius Júnior in the first leg.
The atmosphere at the 76,745-capacity venue reflected both footballing tension and social awareness. Before kick-off, home supporters unfurled a prominent banner reading “No to racism” in Spanish, sending a clear message of solidarity. This gesture aligned perfectly with the club’s response to events from the first leg on February 17 in Lisbon, where Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal in a 1-0 win but later alleged he had been racially abused by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. UEFA promptly opened an investigation, imposed a provisional one-match ban on Prestianni, and dismissed Benfica’s appeal on the day of the return fixture, ensuring the Argentine missed the Bernabéu clash.
Match Narrative: From Early Setback to Decisive Response
Benfica started brightly and took a surprise lead in the 14th minute. After Thibaut Courtois parried an attempted clearance from defender Raúl Asencio, Rafa Silva reacted quickest to bundle the loose ball home from close range. For a fleeting moment, the aggregate score was levelled at 1-1, testing Real Madrid’s resolve early.
However, the response was immediate and emphatic. Just two minutes later, in the 16th minute, Aurélien Tchouaméni restored the lead with a superb curling strike from the edge of the penalty area. Federico Valverde supplied the precise assist, allowing the French midfielder to sweep the ball into the far corner for his first Champions League goal. This quick equaliser not only shifted momentum but also calmed the home crowd and re-established the aggregate advantage.
Throughout the contest, Benfica remained competitive, creating several threats and forcing Courtois into key saves. Real Madrid, missing star striker Kylian Mbappé due to a knee injury sustained in training, relied on squad depth and tactical discipline. A goal from young forward Gonzalo García was correctly disallowed for offside, while defender Raúl Asencio was forced off after an accidental collision.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Vinícius Júnior delivered another moment of clinical excellence. Following a midfield interception by Valverde, the Brazilian forward timed his run perfectly, surged past Nicolás Otamendi, and drove a composed low finish across goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin into the far corner. This goal, his sixth in five recent games, effectively ended Benfica’s hopes and confirmed progression.
Vinícius Júnior celebrated with the same joyful dance by the corner flag that had followed his first-leg strike, later posting on social media that “the dance goes on.” His performance across both legs earned widespread praise, with former Chelsea forward Joe Cole describing him as “brilliant” and noting the “superb” nature of the finish on TNT Sports.
Key Match Statistics: Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25, 2026
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score (2nd Leg) | 2 | 1 |
| Aggregate | 3 | 1 |
| Goals | Tchouaméni (16′), Vinícius Júnior (80′) | Rafa Silva (14′) |
| Possession | 55.8% | 44.2% |
| Shots (on target) | 14 (4) | 12 (4) |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.11 | 1.98 |
| Corners | 4 | 7 |
The table highlights Benfica’s threat in terms of expected goals yet underscores Real Madrid’s efficiency and composure in converting critical opportunities.
Powerful Messages of Solidarity and Resilience
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni captured the deeper meaning of the evening in post-match comments. “I think there are more important things than this match, than football,” he said after scoring the equaliser. “Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match. Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us—for everyone who stands against racism.”
Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined from Liverpool in the summer of 2025, echoed the sentiment while praising his teammate’s mentality. “He didn’t need to score to send a message or show his mentality,” the England international noted. “He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone because he’s shown time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him the most.”
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added a lighter but supportive note: “I’m happy that Vini’s dancing, still dancing, because it means he’s scoring goals.” Acting head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, speaking in the absence of Carlo Ancelotti, expressed joy at the goal and emphasised that Vinícius Júnior “deserves it” for his character and consistency.
The presence of former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho in the stands—serving a suspension and unable to sit in the dugout on his first return since leaving in 2013—added another layer of historical intrigue, though the focus remained firmly on the current squad’s unity.
Tactical Adaptation and Squad Depth in Focus
Without Mbappé, who is expected to miss several weeks with a knee problem, Real Madrid adapted effectively under Arbeloa’s guidance. The team maintained control despite Benfica’s pressure and demonstrated the depth that has defined their European success over decades. Valverde’s vision provided both assists, while Courtois made four crucial saves to preserve the lead during late scares.
Benfica, under interim coach João Tralhão, performed with spirit but ultimately fell short against the 15-time Champions League winners. The Portuguese side created more expected goals than their hosts yet lacked the clinical edge required on the biggest stage.
This Real Madrid Champions League progression continues a strong record in knockout ties when leading after the first leg. It also keeps the club firmly in contention for a potential record-extending 16th title in the 2025/26 season. With the last-16 draw scheduled for Friday, February 27, possible opponents include Manchester City or Sporting CP, promising further high-profile encounters.
For supporters engaged with Real Madrid Champions League 2025/26 narratives, the evening blended sporting excellence with a principled stance. Tchouaméni’s words and the fans’ banner transformed a routine qualification into a broader statement of values. Vinícius Júnior’s on-pitch response—scoring, celebrating, and maintaining focus—further cemented his status as one of the competition’s standout performers amid ongoing challenges.
Looking Ahead: Momentum and Future Challenges
As Real Madrid prepare for the business end of the campaign, the focus shifts to balancing domestic responsibilities with European ambitions. Mbappé’s return will be eagerly anticipated, yet the squad has shown it can deliver without its star names. The anti-racism solidarity displayed will likely continue to resonate, reinforcing the club’s leadership on social issues within football.
In summary, the 2-1 victory over Benfica represented far more than qualification to the Champions League last 16. It highlighted tactical resilience, individual brilliance from Vinícius Júnior and Tchouaméni, and a unified front against racism. For fans of Real Madrid Champions League campaigns, this result offers encouragement and inspiration as the competition intensifies. The coming weeks promise more memorable nights, with the team well-positioned to challenge for further silverware while upholding important principles both on and off the pitch.
