LISBON, PORTUGAL — Vinícius Júnior's moment of brilliance five minutes into the second half proved decisive as Real Madrid claimed a crucial 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica at Estádio da Luz. The Brazilian winger's clinical finish from the left side of the box, assisted by Kylian Mbappé, secured all three points for Los Blancos despite a spirited defensive effort from the Portuguese hosts.
Real Madrid dominated the ball with 58.3% possession, pinning Benfica back for long stretches, but found the home side's defensive organization frustrating throughout the opening 45 minutes. The visitors created the better chances before the break, with Anatoliy Trubin forced into action as early as the 9th minute when he denied Mbappé's right-footed effort from the left side of the box. The Ukrainian goalkeeper was quickly called upon again in the 15th minute, producing a double save to thwart first Tomás Araújo's header from a Fredrik Aursnes cross, then Amar Dedic's follow-up attempt from distance.
Arda Güler tested Trubin's reflexes in the 17th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box that the Benfica custodian pushed to safety, while Mbappé saw another effort saved in the 44th minute as Real Madrid continued to probe. The French superstar's left-footed shot from the centre of the box was gathered comfortably by Trubin, who was keeping his side level against the run of play.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart when Mbappé turned provider, threading a perfectly weighted pass to Vinícius Júnior on the left. The Brazilian winger took one touch to control before rifling a right-footed shot into the top right corner, giving Trubin no chance despite his heroics throughout the evening. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the traveling Madrid support and earned Vinícius a yellow card for excessive celebration.
Benfica responded with increased urgency, introducing fresh legs through substitutions as Andreas Schjelderup and Rafa pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The home side's best opportunity came in the 69th minute when Rafa's right-footed effort from the centre of the box sailed just wide after good work from Dedic down the right flank. Samuel Dahl provided width on the left as Benfica committed more bodies forward, but Real Madrid's defensive structure, marshaled by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga in midfield, remained resolute.
Trubin continued his outstanding performance, denying Vinícius twice more in the 70th and 79th minutes as Real Madrid looked to put the game to bed. The goalkeeper's six saves kept Benfica within touching distance, but clear-cut chances remained elusive for the hosts. Gianluca Prestianni was shown a yellow card in the 78th minute for simulation as frustration grew among the home ranks.
The statistics reflected Real Madrid's superiority, with Los Blancos registering 16 shots to Benfica's 10 and putting seven efforts on target compared to just three from the Portuguese side. Real Madrid also enjoyed a 6-3 advantage in corners, though Benfica's defensive discipline limited the visitors to just the single goal. Thibaut Courtois was relatively untroubled in the Madrid goal, making three routine saves as his defense protected the narrow advantage.
The closing stages saw Real Madrid expertly manage the game, with Brahim Díaz introduced for Güler in the 86th minute to help see out the victory. Twelve minutes of added time provided late drama, with Benfica pushing bodies forward and winning corners, but Tom Tomás Araújo and Nicolás Otamendi couldn't find the decisive touch. Heorhii Sudakov picked up a yellow card in the 90th minute for a foul on Vinícius as tensions rose, while Mbappé was also cautioned late on.
The result proves crucial for Real Madrid's Champions League aspirations, moving them into 5th place with 12 points from five matches and a healthy +7 goal difference. For Benfica, the defeat leaves them languishing in 30th position with just three points and a -4 goal difference, making qualification increasingly difficult with the group stage nearing its conclusion.
Real Madrid's recent form has been impressive, and this victory maintains their momentum as they prepare to face CD Tenerife on February 22. The Spanish giants will look to carry this defensive solidity and attacking threat into domestic competition, while Benfica must regroup quickly to salvage their European campaign. The Portuguese side showed resilience and organization but ultimately lacked the cutting edge required to trouble a Real Madrid side operating with clinical efficiency when it mattered most.