Champions League: Vinicius Jr. Leads Real Madrid to Last 16, Atalanta Knocks Out Dortmund
Synopsis
Real Madrid triumphs over Benfica with a thrilling 2-1 win, ensuring their place in the Champions League last 16. Vinicius Jr. shines with a crucial goal. Meanwhile, Atalanta stages a remarkable comeback to eliminate Borussia Dortmund.
Key Takeaways
Real Madrid advances to Champions League last 16.
Vinicius Jr. scores crucial goal in the 80th minute.
Atalanta eliminates Borussia Dortmund.
Benfica struggles without key players.
Next up for Real Madrid: either Manchester City or Sporting CP.
Madrid, Feb 26 (NationPress) Real Madrid secured a spot in the Champions League last 16 after clinching a 2-1 victory against Benfica at home, achieving a 3-1 aggregate win.
Vinicius Jr. netted the crucial goal in the 80th minute, bringing relief to the Santiago Bernabeu as the match remained tense and competitive.
Benfica, without their suspended coach Jose Mourinho, started strong and equalized on aggregate when Rafa Silva scored from close range following a swift attack down the right flank. Real Madrid responded quickly, with Federico Valverde assisting Aurelien Tchouameni for the equalizer.
The game was intense and open, featuring a disallowed goal for Arda Guler due to offside in the first half, followed by a second half marked by high energy but lacking accuracy as Madrid struggled with passing, causing the home crowd to grow anxious.
Real Madrid was missing Kylian Mbappe due to a knee injury, while Benfica was without forward Gianluca Prestianni, who faced a provisional suspension after an alleged racist comment aimed at Vinicius in the previous match.
Madrid faced a moment of concern in the 77th minute when Raul Asencio was taken off after a heavy fall. As Benfica pressed for another goal, Valverde found Vinicius on the inside-left channel, and the Brazilian expertly slotted his shot past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to ensure Real's progression.
Real Madrid's next challenge will be against either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the upcoming round of 16.
In other matches, Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund with a 4-3 aggregate score.
Lazar Samardzic capped Atalanta's advancement with a last-minute goal during a thrilling evening in Bergamo. La Dea overturned a 2-0 deficit from the first leg before halftime, with Gianluca Scamacca scoring the opening goal and Davide Zappacosta equalizing with a deflected shot late in the first half.
Things escalated for the hosts when Mario Pašalić connected with a cross from Marten de Roon, but Dortmund responded through Karim Adeyemi's stunning curler in the 75th minute.
As the match seemed destined for extra time, Atalanta was awarded a penalty in the dying moments of added time, resulting in red cards for Ramy Bensebaini, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Giorgio Scalvini. Samardzic confidently converted from the spot.
Point of View
Real Madrid's victory over Benfica highlights their resilience and skill in critical matches, while Atalanta's comeback against Dortmund showcases the unpredictability and excitement of the Champions League, emphasizing the importance of determination and strategy in high-stakes football.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Real Madrid secure their place in the Champions League last 16?
Real Madrid advanced by winning 2-1 against Benfica, achieving a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Who scored the decisive goal for Real Madrid?
Vinicius Jr. scored the crucial goal in the 80th minute.
What was the result of the Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund match?
Atalanta eliminated Borussia Dortmund with a 4-3 aggregate win.
What challenges did Benfica face during the match?
Benfica was without their suspended coach Jose Mourinho and their forward Gianluca Prestianni.
Who will Real Madrid face next in the Champions League?
Real Madrid will meet either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next round.
