Vinícius Júnior struck late as Real Madrid overcame an early setback to defeat Benfica 2–1 and seal a 3–1 aggregate victory, booking their place in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Benfica drew first blood in the 14th minute when Rafa Silva reacted quickest to a rebound to tap home and momentarily unsettle the hosts at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Madrid’s response, however, was immediate.
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni levelled the score just two minutes later after a slick exchange involving Federico Valverde, firing a precise finish into the right side of the net.
The Spanish giants thought they had completed the turnaround midway through the first half when Arda Güler found the net from close range, but VAR ruled out the effort.
Madrid continued to push forward, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois producing crucial saves to deny Richard Ríos and keep the tie under control.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Valverde slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Vinícius Júnior, who burst into the box before drilling a clinical finish into the bottom right corner to make it 2–1.
Despite late pressure from Benfica during nine minutes of stoppage time, Madrid held firm to secure progression after a disciplined display.
Having won the first leg 1–0, Real Madrid advance 3–1 on aggregate
