Real Madrid vs Benfica LIVE
Real Madrid are into the Champions League round of 16 as goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Jr. helped them dispatch Benfica. Los Blancos led 1-0 after a controversial first-leg in Portugal, where Vinicius made headlines not only for his winning goal but also for being the target of alleged racist abuse by Gianluca Prestianni, who was suspended for this match despite denying the allegations against him.
Real got through the second-leg largely without incident. There was an early scare when Rafa Silva opened the scoring, but nerves were promptly calmed just two minutes later as Tchouameni curled one home from the edge of the area. Vinicius then extended the lead beyond doubt as he slotted a finish beyond the reach of Anatoly Trubin late in the second-half, shortly after Raul Asencio left the pitch on a stretcher after a nasty fall.
It was not an inspired performance from Real, but they did enough to ensure their progression and they will now face either Sporting CP or Manchester City in the next round. Catch up with the action as it happened below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.
Real Madrid vs Benfica latest news
- GOAL! Vinicius Jr extends Real's lead
- GOAL! Tchouameni restores Madrid lead
- GOAL! Benfica score crucial early goal
Fan reaction: Professional performance
22:06 , Arthur FerridgeA professional performance by a weak Real Madrid team. Vini's goal is the icing on the cake!#RMABEN #UCL #ChampionsLeague
— Football Controversy (@all_football_24) February 25, 2026
Fan reaction: 'Champions League king'
22:05 , Arthur FerridgeVinicius have to be the new Real Madrid Champions League King.
— Bizito Bright (@BizitoB) February 25, 2026
Vini can ghost all match only to score an important goal 🔥#RMABEN
FULL TIME: Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
22:00 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it! Real Madrid are into the last 16.
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:56 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: We are now halfway through stoppage time, and Benfica seem largely resigned to their fate.
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:53 , Arthur Ferridge90+2mins: Courtois does well to punch away a Benfica free-kick. Time fast running out for the visitors to find the two goals they require to force extra time here.
There will be NINE added minutes here!
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:50 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Carreras shoots wide from the corner of the box.
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:47 , Arthur Ferridge86mins: This seems a comfortable lead for Real, but it is worth remembering that there will be quite a lot of added time due to Asencio’s injury.
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:44 , Arthur Ferridge83mins: Another two changes for Real. Gonzalo and Guler come off for Pitarch and Palacios.
Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:43 , Arthur Ferridge83mins: Real are in gear now. Valverde has a go from the edge of the box which whips past the far post.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
21:41 , Arthur FerridgeAnd that is the tie put to bed! Valverde wins the ball in midfield and sets Vinicius free with a lovely through-ball, which he finishes with aplomb.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:40 , Arthur Ferridge79mins: It’ll be interesting to see which side can find their rhythm again after that break in play. Not long left for Benfica to get back into this.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:38 , Arthur FerridgeMastantuono and Alaba replace Camavinga and the injured Asencio, and we will get back underway after a five-minute stoppage.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:36 , Arthur FerridgeSome really grave faces on the players here as they watch Asencio receive treatment.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:35 , Arthur FerridgeThis is the last thing Real need. Asencio is being fitted with a neck brace and will leave the pitch on a stretcher.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:34 , Arthur FerridgeThe stretcher has been readied to take Asencio off the pitch. Looks to be a fairly serious injury, this.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:34 , Arthur FerridgeCamavinga is back to his feet, but Asencio remains down.
Franco Mastantuono is ready to come on, here, but no changes have yet been confirmed.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:32 , Arthur Ferridge71mins: More injuries here as Camavinga and Asencio have a nasty coming together. Both require treatment.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:32 , Arthur Ferridge71mins: Alexander-Arnold looses a superb pass over the top to Valverde who is clean through on goal but his first touch lets him down and his shot is ultimately wayward.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:30 , Arthur Ferridge68mins: Schjelderup’s shot is blocked and Real look to play out, but Tchouameni loses it. Benfica break back to goal and Pavlidis has a go, but can only win another corner.
Rudiger is down injured after the fact.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:27 , Arthur Ferridge66mins: It has all gone a bit flat at the Bernabeu. Both sides seem to have run out of creativity and energy, and the crowd don’t seem particularly lively, either.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:25 , Arthur Ferridge64mins: Rios says “why not” and has a go from about 30m out, but his effort is high and wide.
Miss all the shots you don’t take, I suppose.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:21 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: That could have been the equaliser! Silva strikes one with the outside of his foot from the edge of the box but it rattles the bar after a deflection from Asencio.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:19 , Arthur Ferridge59mins: A snappy Real counter ends as Alexander-Arnold overhits a cross for Vinicius.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:18 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Asencio cleans out Silva with a really rough tackle and goes into the book. He was sent off when these two sides met in the league phase, mind.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:17 , Arthur Ferridge56mins: CLOSE! Alexander-Arnold twists and turns and creates a bit of space in the area. He shoots from a narrow angle and it rolls agonisingly wide of the right post.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge55mins: Courtois catches said corner with ease.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge54mins: Alexander-Arnold puts in a wonderful tackle to cut out Schjelderup’s through-ball to Silva, but he does concede a corner in doing so.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:14 , Arthur Ferridge53mins: Asencio heads over from Trent’s corner - a very narrow miss.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:13 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: The free-kick turns into a corner via Rios’ clearance, which denied Rudiger a shooting chance.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:12 , Arthur Ferridge51mins: Vinicius meni is clattered by Otamendi - full body check - and he then dives in on Tchouameni. He’s lucky to get away with only one yellow, frankly, and will miss Benfica’s next Champions League match.
Free-kick for Real now.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:08 , Arthur Ferridge47mins: Carreras slips Vinicius in behind, but the Brazilian can’t get past Dedic. He starts a nice move, though, and Trent can square one to Valverde, who swings and misses.
2ND HALF: Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
21:06 , Arthur FerridgeWe are back underway at the Bernabeu, and it is all to play for here!
Around the grounds
20:57 , Arthur FerridgeThe scores from the other ongoing Champions League fixtures...
Juventus 1-0 Galatasaray (3-5 agg.)
PSG 0-1 Monaco (3-3 agg.)
HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:49 , Arthur FerridgeTrent’s free-kick does not beat the first man, and that does it for the first-half.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:49 , Arthur FerridgeAll sorts of theatrics and jostling in the box as Trent waits to take this free-kick.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:48 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: Vinicius is fouled in the corner - softly, I might add - and Real will have one last attacking set-piece before half-time.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:47 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: The corner comes to nothing.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:47 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: Real win a corner from Valverde’s deflected shot, and as one added minute is advertised, it will effectively be the final act of the half.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:45 , Arthur Ferridge44mins: Half-time is fast approaching, and you wonder whether this match will produce another goal before the break comes.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:43 , Arthur Ferridge41mins: Valverde does well to tee up Guler, who looks to redeem his earlier disallowed strike but sees this latest effort deflected behind for a corner.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:41 , Arthur Ferridge40mins: Benfica win the ball in midfield and look to break free, but they are called back for a foul on Tchouameni. Another bit of good fortune for Real, who were in a world of trouble if the visitors were allowed to play on there.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:39 , Arthur Ferridge38mins: Superb save from Courtois! Rios with a clean strike from the edge of the box and it looks destined for the bottom-right corner but the Belgian gets down to it remarkably quickly.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:37 , Arthur Ferridge36mins: Barreiro catches Vinicius with a high hand, and the Brazilian is awarded a foul.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:36 , Arthur Ferridge35mins: Rios goes into the book for a clumsy tackle.
NO GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:35 , Arthur FerridgeThere was an offside in the build-up and Guler’s goal is chalked off.
VAR are checking a potential offside.
GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (3-1 agg.)
20:33 , Arthur FerridgeReal have daylight! Guler has scored!
Or has he... Benfica are furious! They feel there was a foul on Trubin in the build-up.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:31 , Arthur Ferridge30mins: Benfica win a corner through Carreras, who has been rather out of sorts so far this evening.
The visitors cannot capitalise on the opportunity, though, as Tchouameni is first to get his head to the ball.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:28 , Arthur Ferridge27mins: A fair bit of pace has come out of the game now, Real are dominating possession and working through a very patient build-up.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:26 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Vinicius tears forward at pace now and has three Benfica men backpedalling around him, but he too fails to get any meaningful direction on his shot and Trubin collects again. Just as good a shotstopper as a goalscorer, it seems.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:25 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Camavinga finds himself in space and notches a smartly-hit effort, but it is right down the throat of Anatoliy Trubin and he makes no mistake.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:23 , Arthur Ferridge22mins: Some clumsy defending from Real, and they just about maintain their lead. Schjelderup’s cross goes uncollected as it dribbles across an open goal.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:22 , Arthur Ferridge21mins: That hit from Tchouameni really seems to have knocked the wind out of Benfica. All Real the last few minutes.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:20 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Alexander-Arnold is played in behind and he gets to the byline, but there is nobody in the box to get on the end of his cross.
Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:19 , Arthur Ferridge18mins: A whirlwind few minutes. Where do we go from here?
GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Benfica (2-1 agg.)
20:17 , Arthur FerridgeAnd Los Blancos respond immediately! Tchouameni drills one home from the edge of the area. Lovely finish - his first in the Champions League!
GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Benfica (1-1 agg.)
20:16 , Arthur FerridgeThe tie is blown wide open! Silva levels it! Another lovely move from Benfica starts with Dedic, and Benfica get a cross into the box. Asencio slides in to block it but calls Courtois into action in doing so. The Belgian denies what would have been an own goal, but Silva is there to tap the rebound home.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg.)
20:13 , Arthur Ferridge12mins: Araujo’s ball up to Pavlidis calls Rudiger into action again, but the German just about deals with this one. Almost seems like Benfica are targeting the big centre-back.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg.)
20:12 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: A ropey pass from Rudiger has Asencio in trouble, and he is forced to play it into touch. Real have been their own worst enemies thus far.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg.)
20:11 , Arthur Ferridge9mins: Real are slowly building up some confidence here after Benfica have largely dominated the ball in the opening exchanges.
Their latest spell ends as Guler overhits a cross-field ball to Vinicius.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg.)
20:08 , Arthur Ferridge7mins: Vinicius plays a nice one-two with Guler and gets in behind, but he is subject to an uncompromising Otamendi tackle.
The Brazilian thinks he came in late and appeals wholeheartedly, but the referee is uninterested in his appeals. VAR has investigated and waved it away.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg)
20:06 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: Dedic cuts in off the right and finds Schjelderup, whose cross is blocked by Alexander-Arnold. The ex-Liverpool man blocks the follow-up behind for a corner, which is delivered into the hands of Courtois.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg)
20:04 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: A marauding run from Otamendi creates a shooting chance for Rios, but his effort is blocked.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg)
20:03 , Arthur Ferridge2mins: Vinicius is loudly booed by the travelling fans as he takes his first touch of the ball.
Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg)
20:02 , Arthur Ferridge1mins: Benfica make the first foray forward, but a well-timed tackle from Carreras stops Dedic in his tracks.
KICK-OFF! Real Madrid 0-0 Benfica (1-0 agg)
20:01 , Arthur FerridgeWe’re off!
Players take to the pitch
19:58 , Arthur FerridgeAnd as they do so, a banner is displayed in the stands which reads: “No to racism.”
Kick-off is imminent here!
Team news reminder
19:50 , Arthur FerridgeJust ten minutes to kick-off! Here’s a reminder of tonight’s starting lineups...
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Garcia, Vinicius Jr
Benfica XI: Trubin; Aursnes, Pavlidis, Dedic, Barreiro, Rios, Schjelderup, Dahl, Rafa Silva, Otamendi, Tomas Araujo
Mourinho touchline ban
19:45 , Arthur FerridgeJose Mourinho will not be in the Benfica dugout on his return to Real Madrid tonight.
Mourinho was shown a straight red card in the second half last week for his angry protests on the touchline, feeling that several Real Madrid players were being afforded preferential treatment by Francois Letexier.
“No… no… I was sent off for saying something very obvious: the referee had a piece of paper that said, ‘Tchouameni, Carreras, and Huijsen couldn’t receive a yellow card.’ And he refused to book either Carreras or Tchouameni,” Mourinho revealed.
“I told the referee. Because I’ve spent 1,400 games on the bench, and he knew perfectly well who he could and couldn’t book.
“We know how it works. Madrid deserved the victory; they were stronger.
“I was sent off because I said something very obvious. Tchouameni, Huijsen, and Carreras shouldn’t have received a yellow card.
“He knew perfectly well who he could and couldn’t show a yellow to. Real Madrid deserved the victory; they were better.”
In addition to the touchline suspension, Mourinho will not speak to the media before or after the Champions League tie, instead those duties will be performed by his assistant, Joao Tralhao.
Some precedent set for this evening. Here’s hoping Real and Benfica can match that standard!
Atalanta vs Dortmund latest
19:43 , Arthur FerridgeSamardzic buries the penalty, and Atalanta go through! That’s the last kick of the game!
Atalanta vs Dortmund latest
19:42 , Arthur FerridgePenalty given, and Bensebaini sees red!
So too do two people on the bench, whose identities are not yet confirmed.
Atalanta vs Dortmund latest
19:41 , Arthur FerridgeLate VAR drama at Atalanta, where the aggregate score still stands at 3-3!
The hosts could have a 96th-minute penalty on the cards here after Bensebaini attempted a bizarre backheel clearance in the box and caught the Atalanta striker in the forehead.
Warmups underway at the Bernabeu
19:32 , Arthur Ferridge
More drama at Atalanta!
19:26 , Arthur FerridgeDortmund have drawn level at Atalanta!
Karim Adeyemi was on target moments ago to take the score to 3-1 in favour of the Italians on the night, but, crucially, 3-3 on aggregate!
Ten minutes remain before they will face extra-time.
Prestianni banned
19:24 , Arthur FerridgeUEFA have suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg with Real Madrid in light of the allegation of racism made by Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius Jr reported racial abuse by a Benfica player to referee Francois Letexier during last week’s first leg in Lisbon. Real said this Benfica player was Prestianni.
Prestianni has denied making any racist comment towards Vinicius, while Benfica hit out at what they described as a "defamation campaign" against their player.
UEFA said on Wednesday it had opened a disciplinary investigation into events at the match, and have now “provisionally suspended” Prestianni so he cannot play any part of the second leg.
Last time out: Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid
19:17 , Arthur FerridgeVinicius Junior was at the heart of a chaotic Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Brazilian scored the winner in a 1-0 win for Real in the first leg of the play-offs to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, in the aftermath of his strike, the Brazilian appeared outraged, suggesting to referee Francois Letexier that he had been racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni, the Benfica winger, who had seemed to utter something to the forward with his shirt covering his mouth.
Vinicius had antagonised the home support celebrating 50th-minute wonderstrike, and he was booked for his troubles.
A 10-minute delay ensued, with a melee breaking out on the Estadio da Luz pitch, which saw a member of Real Madrid’s coaching staff red carded and Kylian Mbappe incensed.
The Madrid players rushed to calm Vinicius down, with the forward slumped on the bench while chaos broke out.
Fan reaction: A bold prediction
19:11 , Arthur FerridgeI have a feeling Benfica will disqualify Real Madrid tonight
— Wale Eleniyan (@imclean17) February 25, 2026
Fan reaction: Bold Mbappe claim
19:02 , Arthur FerridgeThe funny thing is that Madrid will play better without Mbappé; that's for everyone seeing an upset because Mbappé is injured.#RMABEN #UCL
— FEAR 🔥🔥🔥 (@phenomakpan) February 25, 2026
Real Madrid vs Benfica head to head
18:55 , Arthur FerridgeOf the five meetings between these sides, two have come this season, and tonight’s will be the third of the campaign.
Real Madrid wins: 2
Benfica wins: 3
Draws: 0
BENFICA CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:47 , Arthur FerridgeBenfica XI: Trubin; Aursnes, Pavlidis, Dedic, Barreiro, Rios, Schjelderup, Dahl, Rafa Silva, Otamendi, Tomas Araujo
Subs: Soares, Ferreira, Silva, Barrenechea, Bah, Ivanovic, Sudakov, Lukebakio, Lopes Cabral, Manu Silva, Jose Neto, Anisio Cabral
Drama in Italy
18:44 , Arthur FerridgeAfter trailing 2-0 on aggregate ahead of the match, Atalanta have levelled things up with Dortmund!
They lead 2-0 on the night - it is all to play for in this second half!
Potential round of 16 opponents
18:42 , Arthur FerridgeWhoever goes through from this tie will face a tricky test in the round of 16.
Depending on the outcome of Friday’s draw, the winner of this match will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next stage of the competition.
A big decision at striker
18:35 , Arthur FerridgeGonzalo Garcia starts in place of the injured Kylian Mbappe.
The 21-year-old has just four La Liga goals in 21 appearances this season. Can he fill the Frenchman's shoes?
REAL MADRID CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS
18:29 , Arthur FerridgeReal Madrid XI: Courtois; Trent, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Garcia, Vinicius Jr
Subs: Lunin, Fran Gonzalez, Carvajal, Alaba, Fran Garcia, Brahim, F. Mendy, Mastantuono, Cestero, Manuel Angel, Palacios, Thiago
Other UCL action this evening
18:23 , Arthur FerridgeThere are three other Champions League matches on offer tonight.
The first is already underway, with Borussia Dortmund visiting Atalanta.
Two matches will kick off simultaneously with Real Madrid vs Benfica.
They are Juventus vs Galatasaray (2-5 agg) and PSG vs Monaco (3-2 agg).
Benfica predicted XI
18:14 , Arthur FerridgeBenfica predicted XI: Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Aursnes; Lukebakio, Rafa, Schjelderup; Pavlidis
Real Madrid predicted XI
18:06 , Arthur FerridgePredicted Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Asencio, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guler, Vinicius Jr, Garcia
Standard Sport prediction
17:58 , Arthur FerridgeComing into this match with a one-goal advantage and some big injury absentees, Real are on incredibly thin ice.
But they did well to visit Portugal last week and come away with a gritty, narrow victory in remarkably hostile conditions.
It will be a challenge to keep their emotions level tonight, but with the home fans behind them, they should be able to get the job done.
Real Madrid to win, 2-0
Benfica early team news: Prestianni suspended
17:50 , Arthur FerridgeThe headline in Benfica’s team news is that Gianluca Prestianni will miss this match. He has been suspended by UEFA, having been accused of racially abusing Vinicius Jr, which he denies doing.
The only injury headache for Jose Mourinho is João Veloso, who has undergone shoulder surgery.
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Real Madrid early team news
17:43 , Arthur FerridgeIn a huge blow for Real’s chances of progression, Kylian Mbappe will miss this match.
He pulled up with a knee injury in training ahead this week and has been left out of the matchday squad as a result.
His is far from the only injury Real are facing, though, with four other key players also absent.
Jude Bellingham is among them after picking up a hamstring injury which could leave him sidelined for some time.
Dean Huijsen, Dani Ceballos, and Eder Militao are also due to miss out.
Elsewhere, Rodrygo will play no part after being sent off during the league phase.
How to watch Real Madrid vs Benfica
17:35 , Arthur FerridgeTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Good evening
17:28 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Real Madrid vs Benfica in the Champions League!
It is all or nothing this evening, with Los Blancos leading narrowly and a spot in the round of 16 on the line. Can Alvaro Arbeloa’s men get the job done?
Follow along right here to find out!
Kick-off is at 8pm. Stick with us!
