Vinicius Junior the Difference Maker as Real Madrid Reach Last 16

Vinicius Junior once again proved decisive as Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu, sealing a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

The Brazilian forward returned to the starting line-up eight days after a stormy first leg in Lisbon, where he alleged he had been racially abused by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. The accusation was denied by the Argentine, but the controversy cast a shadow over the tie heading into the return fixture in Madrid.

Before kick-off, Real supporters displayed banners backing Vinicius, who had scored the only goal of the first leg. Messages reading “No to racism” and “Respect” were also announced over the stadium’s public address system as the teams emerged, setting a defiant tone inside the Bernabeu.

Despite the charged atmosphere, Benfica struck first. Rafa Silva silenced the home crowd after just 14 minutes, finishing calmly to level the tie on aggregate and momentarily swing the momentum in favour of the visitors. The goal served as a reminder that the Portuguese side remained a serious threat.

Madrid responded with composure. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni restored control with a powerful long-range effort that flew beyond the Benfica goalkeeper, putting the Spanish giants back in front overall. The strike steadied Carlo Ancelotti’s side and reignited the home support.

Yet the defining contribution belonged to Vinicius. With 10 minutes remaining, he latched onto a through ball and raced clear before confidently finishing past the advancing goalkeeper. The goal effectively ended Benfica’s resistance and ensured Madrid’s progression. Vinicius celebrated with a dance near the corner flag, soaking up the roar of the crowd in a moment heavy with both sporting and emotional significance.

In the build-up to the match, UEFA had provisionally suspended Prestianni, ruling him out of the return leg while an investigation continued. Although the winger travelled to Madrid with the Benfica squad, he remained ineligible to play after the Portuguese club’s appeal against the sanction was dismissed.

A statement from UEFA confirmed that Prestianni would remain provisionally suspended for the next club competition fixture for which he would otherwise have been available. European football’s governing body appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator following the events of the first leg and moved quickly to implement interim measures pending a full review.

UEFA clarified that the provisional suspension was imposed without prejudice to any further ruling once the investigation concludes and is formally submitted to its disciplinary bodies.

The controversy stems from the dramatic scenes in Lisbon. Vinicius had given Madrid the lead in that encounter with a brilliant solo effort, curling the ball home from a tight angle early in the second half. However, shortly after celebrating in front of the Benfica supporters, he became visibly distressed by something said from the stands. The Brazilian immediately alerted the referee, leading to a 10-minute stoppage as discussions took place on the pitch.

The incident prompted widespread debate. Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho faced criticism for comments made after the first leg, in which he appeared to suggest that Vinicius’ celebration had contributed to the situation. Mourinho remarked that incidents seemed to follow the winger in certain stadiums, comments that drew sharp rebuke from anti-discrimination body Kick It Out, which accused him of “gaslighting.”

Mourinho did not hold the customary pre-match press conference ahead of the return leg and was expected to watch from the stands after being sent off in Lisbon for angrily confronting referee Francois Letexier.

With the victory secured, Real Madrid now await the outcome of the draw to determine whether they will face Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the next round, as they continue their pursuit of European glory.

Real Madrid Eject Fan for Nazi Salute

Off the pitch, Real Madrid also confirmed they had launched an internal investigation after a supporter was removed from the stadium for allegedly making a Nazi salute shortly before kick-off.

In an official statement, the club announced that it had urgently requested its Disciplinary Committee to begin immediate proceedings to expel the member identified on television footage performing the gesture in the area near the Animation Stand. Club security reportedly identified the individual quickly and escorted him out of the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid strongly condemned the act, stating that gestures or expressions that incite hatred or violence have no place in sport or society. The club reiterated its commitment to upholding respect and inclusivity, particularly on a night already marked by strong anti-racism messages inside the stadium.