Despite a match marred by an alleged racist incident and a significant delay, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win over Benfica through a sensational Vinicius Jr strike.
Real Madrid earned a vital 1-0 victory over Benfica in their Champions League play-off opener, thanks to a moment of magic from Vinicius Junior.
The match was defined by a stunning second-half goal from the Brazilian, followed immediately by a ten-minute suspension of play after he reported a racial slur from an opponent.
Despite the hostility at the Estadio da Luz, the visitors maintained their composure to bring a slender lead back to Spain.
The opening half was a balanced affair, with Benfica pressing high and testing the Madrid backline early.
While Kylian Mbappe struggled to find his clinical edge, hitting the woodwork from close range, Trent Alexander-Arnold provided consistent service from the flank.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Vinicius cut inside to fire a brilliant effort into the top corner, though the celebrations were cut short by the ensuing racial abuse allegations and a lengthy delay.
Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois (7/10): The Belgian giant was essential during the opening stages. He produced several sharp saves to deny Benfica an early lead while Madrid struggled to find their rhythm, ensuring a clean sheet on a night where the pressure was constant.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10): Operating as a primary playmaker from the right, he delivered several dangerous crosses that nearly resulted in goals. While his defensive work was tested and his attacking output slowed in the second half, he remained a vital outlet for Los Blancos.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10): While some of his distribution was uncharacteristically loose, he was nearly impassable in isolated defensive situations. His physicality and experience in one-on-one duels helped neutralize Benfica’s most dangerous counter-attacks throughout the night.
Dean Huijsen (8/10): The standout performer in the defensive unit, the youngster displayed maturity beyond his years. He led the match in completed passes, dominated his aerial battles, and provided a sense of calm that anchored the entire Madrid backline.
Alvaro Carreras (6/10): It was a complicated homecoming for the former Benfica man. He struggled at times against the pace of the hosts’ wingers and found himself isolated without much support, leading to a few nervous moments on the left flank.
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10): A somewhat disjointed performance from the anchor man. He was guilty of surrendering possession in dangerous areas and lacked his usual defensive bite, though he did manage to progress the ball effectively toward the forward line.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10): It was a night of extremes for the Frenchman. While he struggled physically and lost the majority of his individual duels, he remained a creative spark, carving out two of the team’s best scoring opportunities during the match.
Federico Valverde (7/10): Reinstalled into his preferred central role, the Uruguayan looked rejuvenated. His trademark energy allowed him to cover immense ground, acting as an effective link between the defense and the attack in a classic box-to-box display.
Arda Guler (6/10): The Turkish playmaker showed flashes of technical brilliance and tested the keeper with a few strikes from distance. However, he struggled to find the final, decisive pass needed to break down a stubborn Benfica defense.
Kylian Mbappe (5/10): A frustrating evening for the superstar, who appeared out of sorts. After missing a golden opportunity in the first half and striking the bar, he became a peripheral figure as the game progressed, failing to leave his mark on the second half.
Vinicius Jr (8/10): Clearly the man of the match, the Brazilian was a constant thorn in Benfica’s side. Aside from his spectacular winning goal, his resilience in returning to the pitch after the racial abuse incident showed immense character as he continued to threaten until the final whistle.
Despite a match marred by an alleged racist incident and a significant delay, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win over Benfica through a sensational Vinicius Jr strike.