Key Takeaways:
- Vinicius Junior scored the decisive goal as Real Madrid triumphed 1-0 away at Benfica in the UEFA Champions League knockout play-off first leg
- Play was halted for nearly 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported an alleged racist incident involving a Benfica player
- Jose Mourinho received a red card in the second half during a heated conclusion to the contest
Intense Opening With Both Sides Threatening
The stage was set for a tense Champions League knockout play-off encounter at the Estádio da Luz, with hosts Benfica having just squeaked into the knockout phase after goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s last-gasp goal in the group finale. Former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho faced his old club in an atmosphere charged with anticipation, but the opening exchanges were measured rather than fiery.
Kylian Mbappe nearly ignited proceedings for Madrid midway through the first half, unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the box that Trubin did well to save. The Benfica goalkeeper soon had to intervene again, denying Arda Guler, while Thibaut Courtois was called into action at the other end to keep out Tomas Araujo’s header – evidence that Benfica remained a threat.
🏁 FT: @slbenfica_en 0-1 @RealMadridEN
⚽️ 50' @vinijr pic.twitter.com/hCA2DvNqSE— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 17, 2026
Missed Chances Before Vinicius Delivers the Breakthrough
Both outfits carved out opportunities, with Vinicius Junior probing for Real and Fredrik Aursnes drawing a full-stretch stop from Courtois for Benfica. Shortly before the break, Real ramped up the pressure: Vinicius and Mbappe both went close in quick succession, but the first half finished goalless, with the visitors left to ponder their missed chances.
The decisive moment arrived in the second half. Collecting the ball on the inside left, Vinicius Junior slalomed into the area, shifted onto his preferred right foot and unleashed a sublime curling strike into the top corner, leaving Trubin rooted. It was a moment of individual brilliance that proved to be the difference between the sides.
Game Stops After Alleged Racist Incident, Mourinho Sent Off
The spectacle was soon overshadowed by controversy, as Vinicius Junior halted play to report an alleged racist remark from a Benfica player. The match was suspended for just under ten minutes while the situation was addressed.
Following the stoppage, Vinicius nearly registered his 32nd Champions League goal, having become the outright second-highest scoring Brazilian in the competition with his earlier strike. His deflected attempt forced another sharp response from Trubin.
Tensions escalated as Jose Mourinho was shown a red card, further punctuating a chaotic conclusion. Benfica, unable to generate meaningful attacks, looked a shadow of the side that clinched their dramatic progression last month, having to contend with further ugly scenes as objects were thrown from the stands towards the Madrid players.
Real Madrid Take Lead Back to Spain
As the final whistle blew, Real Madrid emerged with a slender, yet crucial, 1-0 advantage ahead of the second leg back in Spain. The Los Blancos will be confident of progressing, carrying a formidable record of 10 wins in their last 12 two-legged European ties.
| UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-Off First Leg | Score | Goal Scorer |
|---|---|---|
| Benfica v Real Madrid | 0-1 | Vinicius Junior 50′ |
