Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League knockout playoff, advancing 3-1 on aggregate. Vinicius Jr scored the decisive goal amid ongoing controversy from the first leg. The match at Santiago Bernabeu highlighted resilience from both sides despite absences and tensions.
The second leg of the Champions League knockout playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica took place at the Santiago Bernabeu on February 25, 2026, with Real Madrid holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg courtesy of Vinicius Jr's solo effort in Lisbon.
Benfica struck first in the 14th minute when Rafa Silva tapped in a loose ball after Thibaut Courtois parried an attempted clearance from Raul Asencio, leveling the aggregate score at 1-1. Real Madrid responded swiftly, with Aurelien Tchouameni curling in a strike from the edge of the box just two minutes later for his first Champions League goal, restoring their advantage.
The game was overshadowed by the absence of Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, provisionally suspended by UEFA for an alleged racist remark toward Vinicius Jr during the first leg. Prestianni denies the accusation, and Benfica's appeal was dismissed earlier that day. A UEFA statement confirmed: “The appeal lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 February 2026 is confirmed.” Benfica president Rui Costa defended Prestianni, stating: “Prestianni is not racist and if he were I would be the first to take action.”
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho, serving a touchline ban from a red card in the first leg, watched from the stands as his side pushed for an equalizer. Real Madrid, missing Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury and several others including Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, struggled at times but held firm.
In the 82nd minute, Vinicius Jr sealed progression with a clinical finish across goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, his sixth goal in five games. A banner reading "no to racism" in Spanish was displayed by home fans before kick-off in support of Vinicius Jr.
Raul Asencio was stretchered off in the 77th minute after a collision, replaced by David Alaba. Real Madrid advance to face either Manchester City or Sporting in the last 16, with the draw on February 27, 2026.
