7M - Vinicius Jr Shines as Real Madrid Secure Champions League Last-16 Spot

Real Madrid have officially punched their ticket to the Champions League knockout stages following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing a 3-1 aggregate win. The night belonged to Vinicius Junior, who emerged as the decisive figure in a match filled with both sporting intensity and emotional weight.

The contest began with an early scare for the hosts as Rafa Silva leveled the aggregate score for Benfica just 14 minutes in. However, the Rossoneri's resilience was tested when Aurelien Tchouameni restored Madrid’s lead with a thunderous long-range effort. The defining moment arrived late in the second half, when Vinicius Junior showcased his signature pace to slot home the winner, effectively ending Benfica’s hopes of an upset.

Beyond the scoreboard, the match carried a deeper significance. Following allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius in the first leg, the Bernabéu crowd showed overwhelming support for the Brazilian forward with anti-racism banners. After scoring the decisive goal, Vinicius celebrated with a defiant dance by the corner flag—a moment teammate Tchouameni described as a "victory for everyone standing against racism."

With this result, Carlo Ancelotti's side moves into the round of 16, where they will face either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City. Despite the distractions surrounding the tie, Real Madrid's ability to remain focused on the pitch ensures they remain one of the primary contenders for yet another European crown.