Vinicius strikes late as Real Madrid edge Benfica to reach Champions League last 16

Real Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after a 2-1 home win over Benfica on Wednesday, sealing a 3-1 aggregate result.

Benfica struck first at the Santiago Bernabeu when Rafa Silva converted after Thibaut Courtois initially kept out a dangerous ball in the 14th minute. Madrid replied quickly, with Aurelien Tchouameni finishing from the edge of the area two minutes later.

The visitors remained competitive for long stretches. Courtois made key saves, while Silva also hit the bar as Benfica threatened to swing the tie.

The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Federico Valverde released Vinicius Junior, who calmly finished past Anatoliy Trubin to settle the contest.

The game was played in the shadow of the first-leg controversy involving an alleged racist incident toward Vinicius. UEFA is still reviewing that matter. Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the allegation, was unavailable after a suspension.

Elsewhere in the playoffs, Galatasaray eliminated Juventus after extra time, Atalanta knocked out Borussia Dortmund with a stoppage-time penalty, and PSG progressed past Monaco.