Benfica
Real Madrid advance past Benfica in Champions League playoff
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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.
Benfica has confirmed that Jose Mourinho will leave the club to become manager of Real Madrid for a second time. The Portuguese club has also announced Marco Silva as his replacement.
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Jose Mourinho has rejected reports that he issued demands for a possible return to Real Madrid. The Benfica manager said he has had no contact with the Spanish club and remains focused on his current team.
Real Madrid has submitted evidence to UEFA supporting Vinicius Jr's allegation of racial abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during their Champions League match. The incident occurred in a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid on February 17, 2026, at Benfica's stadium in Lisbon. Prestianni denies the claims, and UEFA is investigating amid escalating tensions.
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Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on February 18, 2026, but the match was overshadowed by an alleged racist slur directed at Vinicius Jr. by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. The game halted for about eight minutes after Vinicius reported the incident to referee François Letexier, who activated the anti-racism protocol. UEFA has launched an investigation into the matter.
Benfica face Real Madrid at Estadio da Luz on January 28 in a must-win UEFA Champions League league phase clash. Managed by Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese side sit 29th and two points from the playoff spots, needing victory and favorable results elsewhere to advance. Real Madrid, third with 15 points, seek a win to secure automatic qualification to the last 16 under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
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Real Madrid faces SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, with direct qualification to the knockout stages at stake. The match pits interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa against former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. Benfica enters on mixed form, while Real Madrid aims to secure a top-eight finish.
FIFA extends Prestianni ban globally ahead of World Cup
April 08, 2026 18:59Benfica president Rui Costa backs Mourinho's future
March 01, 2026 04:35Mourinho addresses Prestianni-Vinicius controversy
February 28, 2026 05:05Benfica suspends five fans for racist behavior in Champions League match
February 24, 2026 22:07Suspended Prestianni travels with Benfica for Real Madrid clash
February 17, 2026 20:47Vinícius accuses Prestianni of racist insult in Champions League match
February 17, 2026 14:33Real Madrid edge Benfica amid racism allegation delay
February 16, 2026 22:07Benfica host Real Madrid in Champions League play-off rematch
February 16, 2026 04:56Mourinho states ambition to eliminate Real Madrid in Champions League
February 05, 2026 08:06Rodrygo handed two-match ban for Champions League playoffs