
UEFA Champions League
8:00 p.mFebruary 17, 2026
Round of 32
Light Stadium
Referee: François Letexier, France


Benfica


Real Madrid
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.41
Expected Goals (xG)
1.11
Passing by
355 (80%)
Accurate passes
549 (88%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Anatoly Trubin
7.7
26
d
Samuel Dahl
7.0
30
d
Nicolás Otamendi (C)
7.3
44
d
Tomás Araújo
7.2
17
d
Amar Dedic
6.9
8
m
Fredrik Aursnes
6.9
18
m
Leandro Barreiro
6.6
21
m
Andreas Schjelderup
6.3
27
m
Rafa Silva
6.5
m
Gianluca Prestianni
14
F
Vangelis Pavlidis
6.2
1
G
Thibaut Courtois
7.3
18
d
Alvaro Carreras
7.2
24
d
Dean Huijsen
8.2
22
d
Antonio Rudiger
7.2
12
d
Trent Alexander-Arnold
7.3
6
m
Edward Camavinga
6.9
14
m
Aurélien Tchouaméni
7.5
15
m
Arda Guler
7.0
8
m
Federico Valverde (C)
7.3
F
Vinícius Junior
50′
F
Kylian Mbappé
Substitutes
16
F
Gonzalo Garcia
19
m
Dani Ceballos
28
m
Jorge Cestero
30
F
Franco Mastantuono
20
d
Fran García
23
d
Ferland Mendy
36
d
Joan Martinez
4
d
David Loa
13
G
Andriy Lunin
m
Thiago Pitarch
d
Daniel Carvajal
m
Brahim Diaz

UEFA Champions League Ranking – UEFA Champions League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Champions League (Play Off: Round of 16)
Real Madrid secured a crucial away win against Benfica at the Estádio da Luz, with a second-half goal from Vinicius Junior proving the difference.
Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in a tense UEFA Champions League match on February 17, 2026. Vinicius Junior emerged as the match winner, scoring the decisive goal early in the second half. His individual brilliance settled a hard-fought contest.
In this group phase, Real Madrid maintained a good position with 12 points in five days. Benfica, however, faced an uphill battle, languishing with just three points. The Portuguese giants were desperate for a vital win at home to keep their European hopes alive.
The first half at the Estádio da Luz was a closely fought game. Real Madrid controlled possession, dictating the pace of the match with their fluid passing. They pushed forward, trying to unlock the organized defense of the home team.
Benfica defended resolutely, absorbing sustained pressure from the Spanish visitors. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin proved to be a formidable barrier. He made six crucial saves, denying efforts from Vinicius Junior and Arda Güler with sharp reflexes.
Despite Real Madrid’s 58% possession, Benfica managed to limit clear chances. Nicolás Otamendi organized the defense effectively. The two teams went into the break with the score tied at 0-0.
Real Madrid needed to find a point forward to break Benfica’s stubborn resistance after the break. Benfica looked to maintain their defensive shape and take advantage of quick counter-attacking opportunities. The second half promised more intensity.
The tie was finally broken five minutes after the restart. Kylian Mbappe made a strong and incisive pass in the area. Vinicius Junior received the ball and calmly slotted it past Trubin in the 50th minute, sparking Real Madrid celebrations.
Just one minute later, Vinicius Junior received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct. Benfica responded with tactical changes, bringing on Rafa Silva and Andreas Schjelderup in the 74th minute. They tried to inject pace and creativity into their attack.
The home team’s challenge became much tougher in the 85th minute. Benfica player J. Mourinho received two quick yellow cards, which led to a red card. This got him sent off, reducing Benfica to ten men for the rest of the game.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Benfica pushed forward in search of an equaliser. G. Prestianni had earlier been booked for a tackle in the 78th minute. G. Sudakov was also shown a yellow card in stoppage time, reflecting Benfica’s growing frustration.
Real Madrid managed the game effectively in the final phase. They introduced Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga and Álvaro Carreras to strengthen the midfield and defense. The visitors saw their narrow lead professionally.
Real Madrid demonstrated their dominance with 58% ball possession and a total of 16 shots, seven of which were on target. Their expected goals (xG) stood at 1.11 compared to Benfica’s 0.41. Benfica only managed three shots on target despite their efforts.
This 1-0 victory consolidates Real Madrid’s strong position in the Champions League group. Benfica’s progression hopes now hang by a thread after another disappointing result at home. The performance highlighted Real Madrid’s clinical edge and title credentials.

