Overview
- Real Madrid won the second leg 2-1 at the Bernabéu and advanced 3-1 on aggregate, with Vinícius Júnior scoring the clincher after Rafa Silva’s opener and Aurélien Tchouaméni’s quick equalizer.
- Kylian Mbappé was ruled out before kickoff due to a left‑knee setback in training, and Gonzalo García started in attack alongside Vinícius.
- Gianluca Prestianni was unavailable under a provisional one‑match UEFA suspension as the disciplinary investigation continues; he denies racially abusing Vinícius and Benfica’s appeal was rejected.
- Benfica coach José Mourinho served a touchline ban after his first‑leg dismissal and did not take his place in the dugout in Madrid.
- The first leg in Lisbon was halted for around 10 minutes following the alleged abuse, and Real now await Friday’s round‑of‑16 draw with Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon their next opponent.