Real Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after coming from behind to defeat Benfica 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory across the two legs.
The Spanish giants were forced to work hard for the result after Benfica struck first early in the contest, but goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior ultimately ensured Arbeloa’s side progressed to the next round with authority.
Benfica entered the second leg knowing they needed a strong performance after losing the first encounter 1-0 in Lisbon. The Portuguese side showed early intent and stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the opening stages.
Rafa Silva capitalized on a defensive lapse to fire Benfica ahead in the 13th minute, briefly silencing the Bernabéu and giving the visitors renewed belief that an upset could be possible. The goal also levelled the tie-on aggregate at that moment, setting up a tense atmosphere inside the stadium.
Real Madrid initially looked unsettled, struggling to impose their usual dominance as Benfica pressed aggressively and moved the ball with confidence through midfield.
However, Real Madrid’s response came swiftly.
Just two minutes after conceding, Aurélien Tchouameni restored parity on the night with a composed finish in the 15th minute. The midfielder’s goal not only calmed the home supporters but also shifted the psychological momentum back toward the Spanish side.
From that point onward, Madrid began to assert greater control over possession, with Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga dictating the tempo while Vinícius Júnior looked dangerous on the flank.
The remainder of the first half saw chances at both ends, but neither side could find another breakthrough before the interval, leaving the match delicately poised at 1-1.
The second half unfolded with Real Madrid increasingly dominant as Benfica began to tire physically from their intense first half pressing.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when Vinícius Júnior produced a moment of quality to give Madrid the lead. The Brazilian forward finished confidently after clever build-up play, sending the Bernabéu crowd into celebration and effectively ending Benfica’s hopes of a comeback.
The goal extended Madrid’s aggregate advantage and forced Benfica into a desperate push forward during the closing minutes.
Despite late pressure from the Portuguese side, Real Madrid’s defense held firm, with Thibaut Courtois making key interventions to preserve the lead.
One notable aspect of the match was the absence of Jude Bellingham from the starting lineup, while Kylian Mbappé also did not play a decisive role compared to previous fixtures. Instead, Real Madrid relied on collective structure and midfield balance rather than individual brilliance.
Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, particularly the positioning of Tchouameni in midfield and the support given to Vinícius in attacking transitions, proved crucial in controlling the game after Benfica’s early goal.
Although eliminated, Benfica produced a spirited performance and demonstrated why they remain one of Europe’s most respected clubs.
Rafa Silva’s early strike and the team’s disciplined approach caused genuine problems for Real Madrid, especially in the first half. However, their inability to maintain intensity for the full 90 minutes ultimately proved costly against a side with Madrid’s depth and experience.
The victory confirmed Real Madrid’s progression to the Champions League round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate scoreline, continuing their pursuit of another European title.
Madrid once again showed the resilience and composure that have defined their historic success in the competition. Even when confronted with early adversity, they demonstrated the ability to respond immediately and regain control.
With Vinicius Junior in strong form and the midfield continuing to perform at a high level, Real Madrid will head into the next round with confidence and growing momentum.
Benfica, meanwhile, can take positives from their performance but will now shift focus back to domestic and European ambitions elsewhere after their Champions League campaign came to an end.
