Actual Madrid CF defeated SL Benfica 2–1 to e book their place within the Spherical of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Within the first leg, Vinícius Júnior impressed Madrid to a 1–0 victory, scoring the one objective of the match amid widespread controversy surrounding his efficiency. Heading into the second leg on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, the Brazilian as soon as once more proved decisive.
Vinícius struck within the eightieth minute to safe the two–1 win, persevering with his run of influential performances in essential fixtures. At halftime, with the sport degree at 1–1, Softfootball evaluation highlighted Madrid’s excessive depth, describing the first-half show as one in all their finest performances underneath new supervisor Álvaro Arbeloa.
Regardless of the absence of Kylian Mbappé resulting from harm, Madrid had been extensively anticipated to advance, largely due to Vinícius Jr’s management and attacking affect. Since Arbeloa’s arrival, the winger has taken higher duty in decisive matches, persistently stepping up when the workforce wants inspiration.
Within the two Champions League titles Madrid have received because the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinícius has performed a central function. Whereas Karim Benzema was instrumental, notably within the first of these triumphs, Vinícius emerged as a driving drive. Underneath former supervisor Carlo Ancelotti, he was extensively thought to be Madrid’s standout performer of their second post-Ronaldo Champions League success.
