Real Madrid beat Benfica 3-1 on aggregate to reach Champions League last 16

Real Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a dramatic 2‑1 home win over Benfica, sealing a 3‑1 aggregate victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Benfica struck first on the night when Rafa Silva pounced on a close‑range chance in the 14th minute to level the tie.

But Madrid responded almost immediately as Aurélien Tchouaméni powered a low drive past the goalkeeper just two minutes later to restore Madrid’s advantage on aggregate.

According to Sky Sports, the match stayed finely poised through the second half, with both sides creating chances and Benfica testing the hosts.

It was in the 80th minute that the breakthrough came, Vinícius Júnior raced clear and calmly finished past the keeper to make it 2‑1 and all but end the contest.

The victory came amid an emotionally charged backdrop following allegations of racial abuse against Vinícius in the first leg in Lisbon, an incident that dominated headlines earlier in the tie and saw strong anti‑racism messages displayed before kick‑off.

Madrid now await the draw to find out their last‑16 opponents, with potential ties including Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.

Contributed by Emmanuel Lungu

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