Real Madrid advanced to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League after a 2-1 win over Benfica in the second leg at Santiago Bernabéu.
It was Benfica who took a surprise lead at the Bernabeu when Rafa Silva bounced in a save by Courtois, who had initially saved Asensio’s effort, into his own net. Real Madrid took not much time to respond, as Tchouameni levelled the scores after a lovely cutback by Valverde. Arda Güler thought he had given Real Madrid the lead on the night, but his goal was chopped off for an offside in the build-up.
In the second half, in a game dominated by large cheers and boos based on last week’s incident, the home side kept on piling on the pressure. Trent Alexander-Arnold then weaved into the Benfica box, but his effort just went wide off the post. Rafa Silva saw his heavily deflected effort hit the crossbar as Benfica enjoyed the momentum. Vinicius Jr then sealed the win for Real Madrid after a lovely counter led by Valverde, and the Brazilian scored in back-to-back games.
Kylian Mbappe missed the game due to injury in his knee; Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham were also sidelined.
