Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League round of 16 after triumphing 3-1 on aggregate against Benfica, according to match reports. The Spanish side won the second leg 2-1 at home, with goals scored by Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid, and Rafa Silva for Benfica, as confirmed by official statistics. The match was played against a backdrop of controversy, as Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg.
Prestianni was handed a one-match ban for the alleged racial abuse, meaning he missed Wednesday's return leg, though he has denied racially abusing Vinicius Jr, according to disciplinary statements. Support was shown for Vinicius Jr by home fans with a banner saying 'no to racism' in Spanish displayed before kick-off, as observed in broadcasts. The specific details and evidence of the alleged racial abuse remain unclear.
' Vinicius Jr scored Real Madrid's second goal in the second leg, netting in the 80th minute, while Aurelien Tchouameni scored Real Madrid's first-half equalizer, per match data. Vinicius Jr celebrated his goal in the first leg by dancing near the corner flag and produced the same celebration after his goal in the second leg, as seen in footage. ' Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole said, 'He was brilliant over both legs.
' Trent Alexander-Arnold started the second leg of Real Madrid's play-off tie against Benfica, where he was pitted against Andreas Schjelderup on Benfica's left flank, according to team sheets. He commented on Vinicius Jr's mindset, saying he had been 'very chilled and very relaxed' before the fixture. ' He further noted, 'He steps up when we need him the most.
His marking is nonexistent.
' Assessments of Alexander-Arnold's defensive performance in the Benfica match varied significantly among Spanish media. The Spanish publication Sport rated Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance as five out of 10. Sport stated that 'his marking is nonexistent' and described him as being 'repeatedly outplayed' by Andreas Schjelderup.
' In contrast, AS felt that Trent Alexander-Arnold covered well defensively and continues to take steps forward. ' AS praised Trent Alexander-Arnold for his excellent passing and for delivering several crosses into the box, and admitted he deserved an assist after setting up a chance for Fede Valverde. Marca partly blamed Trent Alexander-Arnold for Benfica taking the lead, stating he was 'largely inactive in the build-up to Rafa Silva's opening goal,' but also praised him for making a decisive interception in the first half.
Alexander-Arnold created one chance that should have resulted in a goal, according to match analysis. Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the next round of the Champions League, with the outcome of the draw yet to be determined. In domestic action, Real Madrid won a Madrid derby against Atlético Madrid 3-2.
Vinicius Junior scored two goals in the derby, his fourth in two matches, as per match reports. Ademola Lookman gave Atlético Madrid the lead after 33 minutes. Vinicius Junior equalized from a penalty in the 52nd minute after David Hancko fouled Brahim Diaz.
He was repeatedly outplayed.
Federico Valverde scored to make it 2-1 for Real Madrid in the 55th minute after a mistake by José Gimenez. Nahuel Molina scored a long-range goal to equalize for Atlético Madrid in the 66th minute. Vinicius Junior scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in the 72nd minute.
Federico Valverde received a red card with a quarter of an hour left, though the duration of his suspension is unknown. With the 3-2 win, Real Madrid maintains a four-point gap to Barcelona, who won their match 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano, putting pressure on Real Madrid who were seven points behind before the derby, based on league standings. Several key players were absent or limited in these matches.
Kylian Mbappe missed the game through injury and is set for some time out with a knee problem, but the exact nature and severity of his knee injury and his expected return date are not specified. ' Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham started on the bench after their injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold was benched because he came too late to a training session during the week, according to Marca, though the reason for his lateness is unclear.
Jose Mourinho made his first return to Real Madrid's home since managing them between 2010-13, but was unable to sit in the dugout due to suspension, as reported by media.