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Vinícius Sends Real Madrid Past Benfica Into Champions League Round of 16

UEFA’s inquiry into Vinícius Júnior’s racism allegation continues with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni provisionally suspended.

Overview

  • Real Madrid won the second leg 2-1 at the Bernabéu for a 3-1 aggregate victory, with goals from Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Júnior after Rafa Silva’s opener.
  • Kylian Mbappé missed the match with a left-knee problem, and coach Álvaro Arbeloa indicated his recovery will take longer than a few days.
  • UEFA rejected Benfica’s appeal, keeping Prestianni ineligible for the return leg while the disciplinary investigation proceeds; the player has denied racially abusing Vinícius.
  • Benfica coach José Mourinho served a touchline ban from his first-leg sending-off, and the rematch featured a tense atmosphere with Vinícius booed by traveling fans.
  • Madrid extended their competition record to 23 consecutive seasons reaching the Round of 16 under the Champions League’s current format.