Viní Jr. brings star power, but worries abound for Real Madrid - ESPN

ESPN

by Alex Kirkland

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Vinícius Junior delivered a standout performance as Real Madrid secured their place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Benfica. Despite an 80th-minute winner from Vinícius, Real Madrid’s overall play was lackluster, raising concerns about their ability to compete deeper into the tournament. The match, held at the Bernabéu, saw Vinícius scoring a crucial goal after being racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg. His performance highlighted his return to top form under coach Álvaro Arbeloa, with five consecutive goals for Real Madrid—a career-best streak. Benfica, despite missing key players like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, posed a significant threat. They created nine chances and 12 shots, showcasing their attacking potential. However, Real Madrid’s defensive sloppiness and midfield disorganization left questions about their knockout stage prospects. Benfica’s resilience and ability to push Real Madrid to the limit underscored the challenges ahead for Zinedine Zidane’s team. Viníci

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/25/2026