“Vinicius Junior breaks the deadlock with a sublime right-footed finish from the left side of the penalty area, converting Mbappé's assist into the top corner”
Pivotal“Gianluca Prestianni booked for simulation as Benfica's desperation begins to show in their search for an equalizer”
Benfica
Real Madrid
Outstanding performance
Benfica•GoalkeeperReal Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica at the Estadio da Luz through a moment of brilliance from Vinicius Junior five minutes into the second half. The Brazilian winger converted a precise assist from Kylian Mbappé with a right-footed strike from the left side of the penalty area that found the top corner, giving goalkeeper no chance. The match became increasingly fractious as it progressed, with José Mourinho's frustrations boiling over as he received two yellow cards and was sent off in the 85th minute for arguing with officials. This crucial Champions League victory strengthens Real Madrid's position in the competition while dealing a significant blow to Benfica's hopes of advancing.
How entertaining was this match?
Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid has been shown a yellow card for celebrating too exuberantly.
assist: Kylian Mbappé
Goal! Real Madrid takes the lead against Benfica with a score of 1-0. Vinícius Júnior scores with a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, finding the top right corner of the net. The assist comes from Kylian Mbappé.
Leandro Barreiro from Benfica committed a foul.
Arda Güler from Real Madrid has been awarded a free kick in the defensive area.
Offside call against Benfica. Vangelis Pavlidis has been caught in an offside position.
The second half is underway with the score still tied at Benfica 0, Real Madrid 0.
The first half has concluded with the score tied at Benfica 0, Real Madrid 0.
The first half has concluded with the score tied at Benfica 0, Real Madrid 0.
The attempt is thwarted. Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid takes a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area, but it gets blocked.
Corner awarded to Real Madrid after Nicolás Otamendi allowed the ball to go out.
The fourth official has indicated that there will be three minutes of stoppage time.
Corner awarded to Real Madrid, following a save by Anatoliy Trubin.
A fresh offensive move unfolds. Arda Güler of Real Madrid takes a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica makes a save in the bottom left corner. The assist comes from Federico Valverde, who set him up with a header.
Corner awarded to Real Madrid after Tomás Araújo gave away the ball.
The attempt is thwarted. Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid takes a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area, but it gets blocked.
A fresh offensive move unfolds as Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid takes a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it’s expertly stopped by Benfica's goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, right in the middle of the goal.
Opportunity squandered. Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid attempted a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area.
The pause has ended. They are set to resume play.
Match interruption due to an injury to Rafa from Benfica.
Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid earned a free kick on the left side of the pitch.
Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid earned a free kick on the left flank.
Opportunity squandered. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.
Offside call against Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior is caught in an offside position.
Opportunity squandered! Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed high and to the right of the goal. The assist came from Álvaro Carreras.
Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid commits a handball.
Another offensive effort underway. Fredrik Aursnes from Benfica takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it's successfully stopped.
Rafa from Benfica has earned a free kick in the offensive zone.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid committed a foul.
Opportunity wasted. Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid attempted a right-footed shot from the center of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.
A fresh offensive effort unfolds as Arda Güler from Real Madrid takes a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area. The attempt is expertly saved by Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica, who denies the effort aimed at the top right corner. The assist for this play comes from Federico Valverde.
A fresh offensive play unfolds as Amar Dedic from Benfica takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid makes a fantastic save, diving to his right to deny the attempt.
A new offensive play unfolds as Tomás Araújo from Benfica heads the ball from the center of the box. However, Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid makes a fantastic save, denying the attempt at the top center of the goal. The assist came from Fredrik Aursnes, who delivered a precise cross.
Corner awarded to Benfica after Álvaro Carreras allowed the ball to go out of play.
The attempt is thwarted. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica takes a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area, but it gets blocked.
Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid committed a foul.
Amar Dedic from Benfica has been awarded a free kick in the defensive area.
Another offensive push! Kylian Mbappé from Real Madrid takes a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it's successfully stopped by the goalkeeper.
Rafa from Benfica has been awarded a free kick in an offensive position.
Aurélien Tchouaméni from Real Madrid committed a foul.
Opportunity wasted. Gianluca Prestianni from Benfica attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area...
Leandro Barreiro from Benfica was awarded a free kick on the right side of the field.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid committed a foul.
The first half is underway.
Benfica host Real Madrid in a Champions League knockout playoff first leg, riding high after their stunning 4-2 victory over Los Blancos last month. With Madrid seeking revenge and both teams showing attacking prowess but defensive vulnerabilities, this promises to be a goal-heavy affair at the Estádio da Luz.
