Real Madrid Claim Narrow 1-0 Edge Over Benfica in Champions League Last-16 First Leg
Published Date: 18th Feb, 2026
February 18, 2026
Real Madrid took a slender but valuable 1-0 lead over Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie after a hard-fought victory at the Santiago Bernabéu last night. Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal of the game in the 67th minute, finishing low from close range after a precise pull-back from Jude Bellingham, securing what could prove a decisive advantage ahead of the return leg in Lisbon on March 5.
The 15-time European champions controlled large stretches of the match (61% possession) and created the clearer chances, with Kylian Mbappé hitting the post in the second half and Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin making several important saves to keep the scoreline tight. Benfica defended with discipline and nearly equalized late when Ángel Di María’s curling free-kick forced a sharp stop from Thibaut Courtois.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side now carry a clean-sheet advantage into the second leg at Estádio da Luz, where Benfica will look to exploit home support and their counter-attacking threat. The result extends Real Madrid’s unbeaten run in the Champions League to 14 matches.
Ancelotti praised his team’s patience but acknowledged Benfica’s resilience. “We dominated but didn’t finish the chances we created. The goal was important, and keeping the clean sheet gives us control. Benfica are dangerous at home — the tie is far from over.”
Benfica manager Roger Schmidt remained upbeat: “We limited them well, created moments, and had a good chance that was wrongly ruled out. We go to Lisbon believing we can turn it around.”
Match Key Stats
- Possession: Real Madrid 61% – Benfica 39%
- Shots (on target): Real Madrid 13 (4) – Benfica 8 (2)
- Corners: Real Madrid 6 – Benfica 4
- Fouls: Real Madrid 10 – Benfica 13
- Yellow cards: 2 (Real Madrid) – 3 (Benfica)
Other Round-of-16 First-Leg Results (February 17)
- Bayer Leverkusen 3–2 Paris Saint-Germain
- Club Brugge 1–2 Atlético Madrid
- Sporting CP 2–1 Borussia Dortmund
Second legs are scheduled for March 4–5, with the quarter-final draw to follow immediately afterward.
Real Madrid vs Benfica remains one of the most delicately poised ties, with Benfica’s attacking quality and home advantage giving them a realistic chance of overturning the deficit. Live coverage and full highlights are available on UEFA.tv, Paramount+, TNT Sports, and regional broadcasters. The second leg promises to be a high-stakes encounter as both sides chase a place in the last eight.
Date: 18th Feb, 2026
