After a disappointing final group-stage defeat at the Estádio da Luz, Real Madrid responded in the best possible way: by eliminating Benfica and securing their place in the Round of 16.
The two sides faced each other three times in the space of a month, and each encounter told a different story.
On 28 January, in Lisbon, Madrid arrived confident of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League table. Benfica, on the other hand, were outside the play-off spots but still within touching distance of qualification. It was never expected to be an easy game — but few could have predicted what followed.
Benfica claimed a dramatic 4–2 victory. In the final ten minutes, realising they needed one more goal to keep their European hopes alive, they pushed forward relentlessly. The decisive strike found the net amid chaotic scenes, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin emerging as one of the unlikely heroes of the night, celebrated passionately by teammates and fans alike.
For Madrid, it was another setback in an already turbulent season. They had been knocked out of the Copa del Rey, lost the Super Cup final and sacked their manager. The pressure was mounting on both the players and the newly appointed coach, Álvaro Arbeloa. The atmosphere around the club grew tense, with sections of the Bernabéu crowd even booing their own team.
Yet football rarely follows a straight line.
The first leg of the play-offs brought the teams back to Lisbon. This time, Madrid left with a slender but crucial 1–0 advantage.
The winning goal arrived in sublime fashion in the 50th minute, as Vinícius Júnior curled a magnificent effort from a tight angle into the top corner.
However, the spotlight quickly shifted away from the football.
Vinícius’ celebration sparked heated exchanges between both sets of players, particularly with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. As tensions escalated, Vinícius approached referee François Letexier, alleging that he had been racially insulted. The referee activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, and for a moment it appeared the match might not continue. Vinícius briefly left the pitch before returning with his teammates to resume play.
After the match, Benfica and Prestianni denied any racist remarks. Nevertheless, UEFA opened an investigation, which ultimately resulted in the Argentine winger being suspended for the second leg.
One week later, on 25 February, Benfica travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu without both Prestianni and their manager, José Mourinho, who had been sent off in the previous match.
Madrid were also missing a key figure: Kylian Mbappé was ruled out with a knee injury.
Inside the stadium, the tension was palpable. Benfica supporters jeered Vinícius every time he touched the ball, but the Brazilian appeared unfazed.
The game started badly for Madrid. After just 15 minutes, Rafa struck to level the tie. A dangerous move down the right saw Pavlidis’ effort deflected, forcing a superb save from Thibaut Courtois — but Rafa reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line.
Madrid responded immediately. Aurélien Tchouaméni initiated the move before Federico Valverde laid the ball back to the edge of the area, where the French midfielder bent a precise finish into the bottom-right corner. The score was 1–1 on the night, with Madrid leading 2–1 on aggregate.
Los Blancos began to control proceedings. Arda Güler thought he had extended the lead on his birthday, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Midway through the second half, play was halted following a heavy collision between Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga. Asencio required lengthy medical attention and was stretchered off wearing a neck brace, replaced by David Alaba.
With ten minutes remaining, it was Vinícius who settled the contest. Driving in from the left, he calmly slotted his finish into the bottom-right corner, effectively ending Benfica’s resistance.
After nine minutes of added time, referee Slavko Vinčić blew the final whistle. Real Madrid had secured their place in the Round of 16.
Now, all that remains is to await Friday’s draw, where either Manchester City or Sporting CP could stand in their path.
