A stunning goal by Vini Jr. gives Real Madrid the advantage in the tie

Real Madrid takes the lead in the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16. A stunning goal by Vini Jr. right at the start of the second half secured the victory for Arbeloa’s side against Benfica in a tie that will be decided next Wednesday at the Bernabéu. The match was stopped for eight minutes as French referee François Letexier activated the anti-racism protocol due to insults directed at Vini Jr.

Our team arrived at the Estádio da Luz with a clear plan. Defensively solid, they gave Benfica little space to operate and, after the usual initial moments of local pressure, took control of the game. This led to several chances, and after two powerful long-range shots from Mbappé and Arda Güler, which Trubin saved in two attempts, came the clearest opportunity so far. Trent delivered a beautiful ball into space that Valverde picked up to cross back. Vini Jr.’s angled shot from inside the area in the 19th minute missed the target by mere centimeters.

Visitor onslaught
Benfica responded midway through the first half and forced Courtois into action. Aursnes fired from the edge of the area in the 24th minute, and the ball deflected off Prestianni, changing its trajectory, but our goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny the goal. It was the only dangerous play from the home side in a first half where they suffered in the closing minutes against the visitors’ onslaught. Real Madrid had three clear chances to take the lead. The first two, in the 43rd and 44th minutes, were finished by Mbappé with a left-footed strike that grazed the crossbar after a backheel pass from Vini Jr. and a shot that Trubin deflected following an excellent individual effort by Camavinga. The home goalkeeper shone again in injury time with a commendable save to a precise shot by Arda Güler.

Arbeloa’s side deserved to go into halftime with a lead, and the reward came right at the start of the second half. It was a stunning goal. Vini Jr. received the ball wide in the 50th minute, took on Dedić, and surprised Trubin with a beautiful right-footed shot that flew into the top corner of the home goal. The goal celebration triggered a series of events where the Brazilian reported an insult from Prestianni, prompting referee François Letexier to activate the anti-racism protocol and pause the game for 8 minutes.

A lesson in solidity
The match resumed, and Real Madrid looked to capitalize on Benfica’s urgency to equalize by counterattacking, with Vini Jr. coming close to scoring in the 79th minute, though his shot was deflected by Trubin. From then on, Arbeloa’s side showcased their solidity once again, conceding very few chances despite Benfica’s pressure. Our team takes the lead in the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16, with the Bernabéu set to decide the outcome next Wednesday.