Real Defeat Benfica Through Vinícius Goal, PSG Also Secure Victory

Real Madrid returned to Lisbon with purpose and poise, avenging last month’s humbling defeat by edging SL Benfica 1–0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 play-off. Three weeks after losing 4–2 at the Estádio da Luz in the final round of the league phase—a setback that forced the Spanish giants into the play-offs—Madrid rediscovered their authority on the same turf.

From the outset, Real dictated tempo and territory. Vinícius Júnior threatened early, his 19th-minute drive skimming the outside of the post. Shortly before the interval, Kylian Mbappé failed to convert from close range after racing onto a teasing delivery. Benfica’s most incisive moment of the half arrived on 24 minutes when a deflected effort from Fredrik Aursnes seemed destined for the net, only for Thibaut Courtois to produce a sharp, low save.

The breakthrough came five minutes after the restart. Mbappé’s pass released Vinícius inside the box; the Brazilian opened his body and swept a precise finish beyond the far post. It was his 31st Champions League goal, moving him past Kaká (30) to become the second-highest Brazilian scorer in the competition’s history, behind only Neymar (43).

Brazilian Scorers in the Champions League

Celebrations for the milestone proved combustible. Vinícius gestured towards sections of the home support, prompting heated exchanges and a yellow card from the referee. Play was halted for close to ten minutes amid protests and complaints, with Madrid’s coaching staff striving to calm their winger. At one stage, the forward was seen speaking animatedly near the dugout, where Benfica coach José Mourinho was also involved in discussions. Television commentators speculated that offensive chanting may have occurred, though no formal announcement was made in-stadium.

Tensions flared again in the 85th minute when Vinícius was penalised for a challenge inside the Madrid area. Mourinho’s protests earned him a booking, and continued remonstrations resulted in a second yellow and dismissal. Despite a late Benfica surge, the visitors held firm to take a slender advantage back to the Santiago Bernabéu for next week’s second leg.

Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 3–2 away to AS Monaco in the first all-French Champions League knockout tie. After falling 2–0 behind to Folarin Balogun’s early brace, PSG rallied through Désiré Doué and Achraf Hakimi before Doué struck again following Aleksandr Golovin’s red card.

In Germany, Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta BC 2–0, while former champions Juventus FC suffered a chastening 5–2 defeat to Galatasaray SK, conceding twice after Juan Cabal was sent off.