LISBON, Portugal – Real Madrid moves closer to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after defeating Benfica 0-1 in the first leg of the ‘playoff’, held at the Estádio da Luz before more than 65,000 spectators. The merengue team demonstrated defensive solidity and greater precision at key moments, securing the victory with a goal from the Brazilian Vinícius Júnior at the beginning of the second half.
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Balanced First Half
The match began with shared dominance. Benfica created danger down the wings, especially with Andreas Schjelderup and Gianluca Prestianni, while Madrid sought to penetrate with Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, was crucial in preventing the scoreboard from opening, stopping a shot from Fredrik Aursnes. In the final stretch of the first half, Madrid increased its intensity, testing goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who maintained the tie before halftime.Vinícius breaks the tie
The difference came in the 49th minute, when Vinícius made an individual play of great quality: he faced his defender, entered the area and defined a cross to beat Trubin and establish the definitive 0-1. After the goal, referee François Letexier activated the anti-racism protocol due to a complaint from Vinícius for alleged insults from the stands. The game was stopped for several minutes before resuming.Mourinho’s White Control and Expulsion
Madrid controlled the pace of the match in the second half, with an outstanding performance by Aurélien Tchouaméni, who stopped several offensive attempts by the Portuguese team. In the 84th minute, Benfica coach José Mourinho was sent off for protesting a referee’s decision, which will prevent him from managing in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match ended after more than 100 minutes, including added time, with a minimal advantage for Real Madrid, who will seek to secure their qualification at home.Technical Sheet
Benfica (0): Trubin; Dedic, Tomás Araújo, Nicolás Otamendi, Dahl; Schjelderup (Rios, 73’), Aursnes, Barreiro; Rafa Silva (Sudakov, 73’), Prestianni, Pavlidis.Real Madrid (1): Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras (Carvajal, 98’); Arda Güler (Brahim, 86’), Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga (Pitarch, 93’); Vinícius and Mbappé.
Goal: 0-1, min. 49: Vinícius.Referee: François Letexier (France). He cautioned Vinícius and Mbappé; Prestianni for Benfica. He sent off José Mourinho.Stadium: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon.
