Vinicius Junior’s late winner sends Real Madrid past Benfica 3-1 on aggregate, in a tie overshadowed by a racism investigation involving the Brazilian star
VINICIUS Junior scored a decisive late winner as Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 to progress to the Champions League last 16.
The 3-1 aggregate victory came in a tie heavily overshadowed by an ongoing UEFA investigation into alleged racial abuse aimed at the Brazilian forward during the first leg.
Benfica took a surprise early lead through Rafa Silva in the 14th minute at the Santiago Bernabeu. Aurelien Tchouameni swiftly equalised for Madrid just two minutes later with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
The match remained finely balanced until the 80th minute, when Federico Valverde’s pass sent Vinicius clear on goal. The Brazilian calmly slotted past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to secure Madrid’s passage.
The game was played under the shadow of the first-leg incident involving Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who was suspended for this match. Madrid displayed a large “no to racism” banner in the stadium, while Vinicius was booed by sections of the away support.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius’s impactful performance after the match. “(Vini) had a great game,” Arbeloa told Movistar. “Unbalancing them, scoring, creating a lot of danger every time he took them on.”
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was absent from the dugout due to suspension on his return to his former club. His team pressed hard, with Silva hitting the crossbar in the second half, but ultimately fell short.
Madrid defender Raul Asencio was stretchered off with a neck injury following a collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga. Arbeloa confirmed the player was taken to hospital for tests as a precaution.
Vinicius celebrated his winning goal with his trademark dance by the corner flag. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed support for his teammate’s celebrations. “I’m happy that Vini’s dancing, still dancing, because it means he’s scoring goals,” Courtois said.
The result confirms Real Madrid’s place in the knockout stages as they continue their pursuit of a 16th European crown.
