Real Madrid Turns Benfica's Fortunes Around

MADRID, THURSDAY — Real Madrid's cycle leading up to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League has consistently revolved around Benfica. Real's automatic qualification to the Round of 16 was briefly jeopardized by Benfica's dramatic victory in the final match of the group stage. Real's champion mentality prevented Benfica from replicating a similar miracle.

In the round of 16 playoff match, Real Madrid turned around Benfica's fate, which was not destined to advance to the knockout stage from the start. The decisive duel at the Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Thursday (2/26/2026) early morning WIB was finally won by Real Madrid 2-1. Real also won 3-1 on aggregate. Thus, "Los Blancos" who had previously been separated temporarily finally managed to return to the embrace of the round of 16.

As a resilient team, it was not easy for Real to conquer Benfica. Even without the presence of coach Jose Mourinho on the sidelines due to a card suspension, Benfica was still able to challenge Real, who played in front of tens of thousands of their supporters.

The combination of Amar Dedic and Richard Rios on the right wing has consistently posed challenges for the left side of Real's defense, which is guarded by Alvaro Carreras and Eduardo Camavinga. Benfica's goal, scored by Rafa Silva in the 14th minute, originated from a "leak" in the defensive area protected by those two players.

Real coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, instructed Carreras to push forward more to support the attack in order to secure Real's position. However, the space left by Carreras could not be perfectly covered by Camavinga.

The French midfielder was late to fill the position of Carreras, who had already advanced. Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis aggressively exposed that empty space and sent in a cross that was still able to be blocked by Raul Asencio. Unfortunately, the ball ended up heading towards Thibaut Courtois, who promptly deflected the danger.

However, Real's defense was already in disarray. They did not realize that Silva had penetrated into the penalty area to take advantage of the chaos. Silva then easily defeated Courtois from close range.

It did not take long for Real to respond. Two minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni successfully capitalized on a low cross from Federico Valverde. This was Tchouameni's first goal in the Champions League during his career as a footballer.

"We didn't start the match well. But we remained confident. Then we played a little better," Tchouameni was quoted as saying by Diario AS.

Due to a storm of injuries, Arbeloa was forced to change the lineup from the first match at Benfica's home ground. Forward Kylian Mbappe was not included in the starting lineup. Similarly, center-back Dean Huijsen was also absent. Gonzalo Garcia took over Mbappe's position, while Antonio Ruediger replaced Huijsen.

The duo of Raul Asencio and Ruediger was able to dampen the wave of attacks from Benfica. Real appeared less solid in this crucial match, but the defense performed quite well by blocking the opponent's shots five times. Whenever Benfica players brought the ball forward, danger was always created in Real's defense.

Despite outscoring Real Madrid in terms of shots, 14 to 12, Benfica dominated the attack, registering 30 touches in Real's penalty area. Real, meanwhile, trailed far behind with just 21 touches. Real's expected goals (xG) (1.11) was also not as good as Benfica's (1.98).

The miracle of Benfica briefly thwarted Real's efforts to qualify automatically for the knockout stage with a dramatic 4-2 victory in the final match of the group phase. However, the effectiveness and the winner's mentality of Real, deeply rooted in the Champions League, were able to prevent Benfica from creating a second miracle. Even when conceding first, "Los Blancos" always found a way to turn the situation around and emerge from difficult circumstances in critical moments.

Vinicius' goal in the 80th minute ended all resistance from Benfica. Valverde once again became the architect of Real's goal. He astutely observed Vinicius running to exploit the empty space on the right side of Benfica's defense during the transition phase.

"He played well, scored goals, and created dangerous opportunities every time he had the chance. We need him both when Kylian is playing and when he is not. He must be our leader and the one who is at the center of our game. Let us hope he continues to maintain this level," said Arbeloa regarding the winning goal for Real by Vinicius.

After seeing their efforts thwarted by Benfica, Real Madrid were fortunate to have the opportunity to redeem themselves against the same opponents in the playoffs. This second opportunity, Real Madrid didn't waste.

In the round of 16, Real will face either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City. The draw for the round of 16 will take place on February 27, European time. When asked about potential opponents for Real, Arbeloa fully entrusted the outcome to the draw.

"Whoever will be the opponent, we do not have any issues with that. But what is certain is that the match will be very difficult. We have no preference (in choosing an opponent)," said Arbeloa. (REUTERS)