Real Madrid CF

Lore & Background

The narrative between these two clubs took a sharp turn during the 2025–26 campaign. On 3 November, Madrid suffered a rare away defeat at Liverpool before traveling to face Benfica, where they fell 0–1. However, the tide turned dramatically on 18 January when Mbappé scored twice alongside strikes from Mastantuono, Vinícius, and Bellingham in a commanding 6–1 home win over Monaco; wait, that was against Monaco. Against Benfica specifically, the first encounter in November saw Madrid lose 0–1 away from home. The rematch in February began on 17 February with a solitary goal from Vinícius securing a 1–0 victory for Madrid at the Bernabéu. Just four days later, on 25 February, the return leg saw Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius score to defeat Benfica 2–1, sealing a 3–1 aggregate win and advancing Real Madrid to the round of 16.

In Their Own Story

The tension peaked in mid-February as Madrid sought redemption after their November loss. In the first leg on 17 February, the atmosphere was electric as Vinícius Júnior netted a lone goal to secure a crucial 1–0 victory at home. The stakes were absolute: elimination meant ending the season without reaching the quarter-finals. Four days later, in the return leg, the pressure mounted. Goals from Aurélien Tchouaméni and another from Vinícius kept Madrid ahead despite Benfica's resistance, resulting in a 2–1 win on the night. The final whistle confirmed a 3–1 aggregate triumph, sending Los Blancos to the round of 16 while ending Benfica's European run for the season.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Real Madrid's 2025–26 European journey, the Benfica tie was the critical pivot point. After dropping points in November with a 0–1 loss away from home, the team faced an elimination threat in February. The path to survival required winning two legs against a resilient side. Key moments included Vinícius Júnior's decisive goal in the first leg on 17 February and his second strike alongside Tchouaméni's effort in the return match four days later. Unlike other matches where goals came from Mbappé or Bellingham, these nights belonged to the Brazilian winger and the midfielder. The aggregate victory was not a formality but a hard-fought battle that tested the squad's depth and resilience under new management.

Did You Know?

• Real Madrid lost their away match against Benfica 0–1 on 3 November 2025.
• Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal in the first leg of the play-off on 17 February, securing a 1–0 win at home.
• Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Júnior both scored in the second leg to ensure a 2–1 victory on 25 February.
• The aggregate score of 3–1 allowed Real Madrid to advance to the round of 16 for the season.
• This was the second consecutive season Real Madrid had to play in the knockout phase play-offs.