Real Madrid achieved their goal of qualifying for the Champions League Round of 16 after defeating Benfica 2-1 in the second leg of the knockout phase playoff. Building on their first-leg advantage, Los Blancos left no room for doubt by once again overcoming the Portuguese side in Spain.
Benfica initially stunned the Madrid crowd when Rafa Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute. His goal momentarily leveled the aggregate score and threatened to send the match into extra time. However, the visitors’ joy was short-lived; just two minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni unleashed a sensational strike to restore Real Madrid’s aggregate lead, allowing the hosts to head into the halftime break with the advantage.
In the second half, Benfica threw everything forward in search of an equalizer to keep their qualification hopes alive. However, Real Madrid capitalized on the resulting gaps in the defense, with Vinicius Jr. scoring the decisive second goal to seal the series.
The Spanish giants have now secured their place in the next round. They will look ahead to the draw on Friday, February 27, which will determine whether they face Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16.