Real Madrid secure vital 1-0 win over Benfica in 2025-26 Champions League knockout phase playoff first leg: Highlights and goal

Real Madrid struck first in the 2025-26 Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg against Benfica, grinding out a vital 1-0 victory at the Estádio da Luz. The result ensures that Alvaro Arbeloa’s side will head to the Santiago Bernabeu next week holding a crucial lead in the aggregate score.

The first half saw the home side take the initiative, as Benfica pressured their opponents in search of an early opener. However, elite performances from both goalkeepers kept the scoreline level, leaving the match’s defining moments for the second half.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the second period when Vinícius Jr. scored a stunning goal to put the visitors ahead. However, the celebration was short-lived as chaos ensued; Vinícius walked off the pitch alleging that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni had targeted him with a racial slur. Play was halted for several minutes as officials reviewed the incident. Ultimately, the referee took no disciplinary action, and the match resumed.

In the final stages, Benfica pushed desperately for an equalizer, but Real Madrid’s defense remained resolute to preserve the clean sheet. With this result, the Spanish giants hold the upper hand as the two sides prepare to meet again on Wednesday, February 25, in Madrid.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, with a specialization in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his professional career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, where he first established himself as a writer. Throughout his career, Gianni has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform well under pressure has made him a valuable member of a top-tier team of journalists. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, where he now covers a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA.

Click here to read article