What Happened
Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League round of 16 by defeating Benfica 2-1 at the Bernabeu, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate victory. The match saw Benfica take an early lead in the 14th minute through Rafa Silva, who capitalized on a defensive error. However, Real Madrid quickly responded with Aurelien Tchouameni scoring just two minutes later, restoring their aggregate lead. Vinicius Jr sealed the win with a goal in the 80th minute, marking his sixth goal in five games.
Why It Matters
This victory is significant for Real Madrid as it demonstrates their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after the controversy surrounding Vinicius Jr, who alleged racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg. Prestianni was suspended for this match, and the home fans showed their support for Vinicius Jr with a banner reading “no to racism” before kickoff. The win allows Real Madrid to advance in the tournament, where they will face either Manchester City or another opponent in the next round.
What’s Next
Real Madrid will now prepare for the next stage of the Champions League, continuing their pursuit of the title. The team will need to address the absence of key players, such as Kylian Mbappe, while maintaining their current form. As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on Vinicius Jr and his performance, especially in light of the recent events surrounding him.
