Vinícius Júnior scores again as Real Madrid defeat Benfica to progress | OneFootball

A depleted Real Madrid booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as Vinícius Júnior scored in a 2-1 win over Benfica.

After the events of the first leg there would have been plenty more eyes on this game but it wasn't one of quality.

Benfica were of course without the suspended Gianluca Prestianni while Real Madrid's attack was depleted with Kylian Mbappé a late drop out.

That lack of quality for Real Madrid up top showed throughout the game and it was the visitors who started well in Spain and took the lead in the 13th minute. Vangelis Pavlidis put in a low cross that was intercepted by a Madrid defender forcing Thibaut Courtois into a reaction to prevent an own goal with Rafa Silva then pouncing on the rebound.

That goal levelled things 1-1 on aggregate but parity didn't last long. Up until the 16th minute, Real Madrid showed little going forward until all of a sudden Fede Valverde teed up Aurélien Tchouaméni on the edge of the box to lash a shot beyond Anatoliy Trubin from the edge of the area.

The home side thought they had made it 2-1 with just over a half hour gone after Valverde headed a cross back into the area that Gonzalo García took a swing at. The Spaniard didn't connect and Trubin didn't collect the ball allowing Arda Güler to prod home. However, VAR intervened with García just offside.

Benfica showed glimpses of getting back into the game in the second half with Rafa Silva having a deflected shot bounce off the bar but were ultimately undone by, naturally, Vinícius Júnior.

All of a sudden, Valverde picked up the ball in midfield and slipped the Brazilian through who kept his cool before slotting into the corner and enjoying his celebration as he made it 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate.

That goal came shortly after a scary moment in the game when teammates Eduardo Camavinga and Raúl Asencio collided while jumping for the ball. It was the latter who came off worst and had to be taken off on a stretcher with a neck brace on, which was hopefully only a precautionary measure.

From that point on it was a much easier night for Real Madrid who were sorely lacking some of their absentees but still managed to progress.