MADRID – Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday, securing a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, completing a 3-1 aggregate win. The match, however, was once again overshadowed by the ongoing scrutiny surrounding winger Vinicius Junior, who scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute and continues to be a target for opposing fans.
The victory wasn’t without early drama. Benfica took a surprising lead in the 14th minute through Rafa Silva, forcing a response from the reigning champions. Aurelien Tchouameni quickly leveled the score for Real Madrid just two minutes later, setting the stage for a tense second half.
This second leg followed a dramatic first encounter in Lisbon, where Vinicius Jr. Alleged he was subjected to racial abuse by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA pending an investigation, and was absent from Wednesday’s match. The suspension came after a near ten-minute stoppage in the first leg as the anti-racism protocol was implemented following Vinicius’ complaint to the referee.
Adding to the charged atmosphere, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was absent from the sidelines. Mourinho, a former Real Madrid manager himself, received a red card in the first leg for protesting and subsequently made controversial comments regarding Vinicius Jr. His absence marked his first return to the Bernabéu since his tenure with Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013.
Despite the early setback, Real Madrid demonstrated their resilience. Tchouameni’s goal, his first in the Champions League, injected momentum into the home side. The match remained closely contested until Vinicius Jr.’s late strike, calmly slotting the ball past the Benfica goalkeeper on a breakaway. The goal was his sixth in his last five matches for Real Madrid.
The Brazilian international’s goal was met with a chorus of jeers from the over 3,000 Benfica fans in attendance. Vinicius responded by celebrating in front of the Benfica supporters, igniting a confrontation with the Portuguese team’s players. He later posted a celebratory message on Instagram, writing “Jogetannya berlanjut!!” (The dancing continues!!).
The incident underscores the continued challenges surrounding racism in football and the support Vinicius Jr. Receives from his teammates. “I’m glad Vini dances and keeps dancing, that means he’s scoring goals,” said Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni added, “That’s our Vinícius.”
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will learn their Round of 16 opponent during Friday’s draw at 18:00 WIB (12:00 UTC). Potential opponents include Manchester City, a team they have faced frequently in recent Champions League campaigns, and Sporting Lisbon. Benfica, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on a campaign marred by controversy.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete with any opponent. “People are used to Real Madrid vs. Manchester City. It’s possible we’ll meet them again. We’re not afraid, but the challenge in this phase will be very difficult,” he said, as reported by Marca.
This season’s Champions League has already proven to be unpredictable, with the emergence of teams like Bodo/Glimt as potential dark horses. England is well-represented in the Round of 16, sending six teams – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur – even as Italy’s presence is limited to Atalanta. The strong showing from English clubs raises the possibility of a Premier League champion this season.
Atalanta’s qualification represents Italy’s sole remaining hope in the competition, after Napoli’s group stage exit and the playoff defeats of Inter Milan and Juventus. La Dea will face a difficult draw, potentially against Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
The Champions League draw will be a key moment for all 16 remaining teams, shaping their paths towards the final. Whether Real Madrid can maintain their dominance in the competition, or if a new champion will emerge, remains to be seen. The club’s “DNA” in the competition will be tested.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Real Madrid is the Champions League Round of 16 draw on Friday. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage of the draw and analysis of Real Madrid’s potential opponents.
What are your thoughts on Real Madrid’s chances in the Champions League? Share your predictions in the comments below!
