Viní Jr. showcases talent, yet concerns linger for Real Madrid
MADRID — Gianluca Prestianni was absent from the Bernabéu on Wednesday, as was José Mourinho, but Vinícius Junior was present.
With Prestianni suspended while UEFA investigates claims that the Benfica winger racially abused Vinícius during last week’s first leg, and Mourinho serving a touchline ban on his return to his former club, the focus was solely on Vinícius. He responded by netting an 80th-minute winner that secured Real Madrid’s advancement to the UEFA Champions League round of 16, concluding the match 2-1 and the aggregate 3-1.
Madrid’s performance was not impressive. They appeared less convincing than in the previous week’s match in Lisbon, raising significant concerns about the team’s capability to advance far in this season’s knockout stage based on their current form. However, there are no doubts regarding Vinícius’ talent or his current performance levels. The forward followed up his remarkable goal in last week’s 1-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz — after which he claims he was racially abused by Prestianni — with another crucial, albeit less spectacular, goal in Madrid.
Receiving a pass from Federico Valverde, Vinícius took control of the ball, easily outpacing the Benfica defense, and calmly finished past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. He then proceeded to the corner flag to mimic the goal celebration that Mourinho had criticized in Lisbon a week prior, sporting a broad smile.
Vinícius has now scored in his last five appearances for Real Madrid. This marks his best form of the season and ties his career-best scoring streak. Under Álvaro Arbeloa, he has rediscovered his form, scoring as many goals in 10 matches with the new coach as he did in 33 games during Xabi Alonso’s challenging tenure, which ended in January partly due to disagreements with Vinícius.
This is the most favorable news for Madrid: The player who played a crucial role in their last two Champions League title victories, in 2022 and 2024, has returned. However, it may be the only positive news at this moment.
On this night, Madrid displayed defensive sloppiness and a lack of organization in midfield against a mediocre opponent. Based on this performance, they would not be considered favorites to win the competition, which they have done a record 15 times. Benfica currently sits third in the Portuguese league, and prior to Wednesday’s match, they had suffered six losses in European competitions this season against various teams: Qarabag, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, and Madrid. Nonetheless, they challenged Madrid too closely for comfort over the two legs.
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On Wednesday, Benfica generated nine chances and took 12 shots, resulting in an xG (expected goals) of 1.98, which was higher than Madrid’s 1.11. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made four saves, including one exceptional stop to deny Benfica’s Richard Ríos in the first half.
With Kylian Mbappé sidelined due to an ongoing knee issue — Arbeloa ominously stated before the match that his absence “will not be a question of days” — and Jude Bellingham not expected back until early April, Madrid is depending on Vinícius to deliver star quality. Across the two legs, he certainly did.
Before the match commenced at the Bernabéu, fans behind the stadium’s south goal displayed a “No to racism” banner in support of the player. Benfica’s traveling supporters responded by whistling loudly every time Vinícius touched the ball.
It was a challenging task for Benfica right back Amar Dedic. From the outset, Vinícius appeared focused and threatening. His first opportunity arose just six minutes in, following a clever one-two with Arda Güler that found him behind the Benfica defense.
After half an hour, Vinícius’ cross created a chance for Güler that would have leveled the score at 2-1, had the goal not been ruled out for offside. Before halftime, Vinícius made another driving run, surpassing Dedic, and delivered a dangerous ball into the six-yard box.
In the 80th minute, Vinícius scored, allowing Madrid to finally feel secure in their lead at 3-1 on aggregate. A season that began with Vinícius frequently out of the starting lineup, amid questions regarding his long-term future and a recent three-month period without a goal, could still culminate in him being pivotal once more.
“[Vinícius] had a great game,” Arbeloa remarked to Movistar afterward. “He was a threat, he scored, he was dangerous. … We need him, even with Kylian, but without Kylian, we need him even more. He has to be our leader.”
On Friday, Madrid will learn whether they will face Manchester City or Sporting CP in the round of 16. City are familiar opponents, having met in five of the last six seasons.
“Whoever comes, it will be difficult,” Arbeloa stated afterward. But there is no doubt that City would present a significant challenge.
