Real Madrid faced a challenging night at the Santiago Bernabéu in the second leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League playoff against Benfica, yet emerged victorious and advanced to the Round of 16. Despite not performing at their peak, Los Blancos showed resilience, with key contributions from Aurelien Tchouameni and Vinicius Junior ensuring progression.
The Spanish giants entered the second leg with a slim 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Lisbon. Benfica struck first in Madrid, with Rafa Silva scoring to briefly put the visitors ahead. However, Tchouameni quickly responded, leveling the score just two minutes later, and Vinicius Junior sealed the win with a decisive strike in the 80th minute.
Aurelien Tchouameni Admits Madrid Was Below Par
In post-match remarks, Tchouameni openly acknowledged that Real Madrid’s performance fell short of their usual standards. Speaking on the club’s official channels, he admitted that the team did not start the match well, which allowed Benfica to take the lead.
“Honestly, we didn’t start the game well today. But we always believed that we could score, and once we did, the situation improved,” Tchouameni said.
The midfielder emphasized that while their performance wasn’t perfect, maintaining belief and composure was key to securing the win. This mental resilience allowed Real Madrid to recover from an early setback and ensure qualification for the next stage.
Lessons to Learn for the Round of 16
Tchouameni also stressed that the team should not over-celebrate the win. According to him, there are significant areas where the squad must improve before facing tougher opponents in the Round of 16.
“We now need to look forward. We must improve our defensive organization and start matches much better. In the end, we won today, and that’s what matters most,” he explained.
The midfielder highlighted the importance of reviewing defensive lapses and enhancing overall team cohesion. The lessons learned from the Benfica match are expected to help Real Madrid prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in Europe’s premier competition.
Key Moments That Secured Victory
The match was tense throughout, with Benfica pressing aggressively and creating several opportunities in Madrid’s penalty area. However, Real Madrid’s ability to respond quickly—particularly through Tchouameni’s instant equalizer—shifted momentum back in their favor.
Vinicius Junior’s decisive goal in the 80th minute capped a comeback that showcased Madrid’s ability to perform under pressure. His pace, creativity, and composure in front of goal proved decisive, reaffirming his role as a key attacking figure for Los Blancos this season.
Prospective Round of 16 Opponents
Real Madrid’s opponent in the Round of 16 will be determined during the UEFA draw scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026. The potential matchups include Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City, both of which pose unique tactical challenges.
Tchouameni acknowledged that preparation for the next stage will require focused defensive work and consistent attacking performance. Madrid’s coaching staff and players are expected to analyze these potential opponents carefully to maintain their Champions League ambitions.
Conclusion: Victory Over Style
While Real Madrid may not have displayed their most fluid or dominant football against Benfica, the result ultimately matters most. The team demonstrated resilience, belief, and clinical finishing at crucial moments—qualities that often decide knockout-stage ties in the Champions League.
Tchouameni’s reflections underline a key takeaway for Los Blancos: winning matters, but continuous improvement is essential. As the team now shifts focus to the Round of 16, fans can expect a more disciplined, sharper, and motivated Real Madrid squad ready to challenge Europe’s elite.
Victory secured, lessons learned, and the next challenge awaits—Real Madrid remains a formidable force in the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League.
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