Real Madrid Hold Off Scare From Benfica To Win UCL Second-leg Playoff

 

Benfica have completed their intriguing run through the UEFA Champions League group stages and have been eliminated by Real Madrid in the second-leg playoff. 

Real Madrid defeated the Portuguese side by 2-1 in the second leg tie to secure an aggregate score of 3-1. Meanwhile, they lost 4-2 to the Jose Mourinho-led team in the group stages, leading to the Spaniards' inability to secure an automatic qualification to the round of 16. 

Aurelien Tchouameni restored level terms for Real Madrid the moment after Benfica took the lead from Rafa Silva's goal in the 14th minute. A clumsy moment between Raul Asencio and Thibaut Courtois gave away the ball to Silva to tap in. 

Vinicius Jr. responded for Real Madrid to restore the lead in the latter stages. The Brazilian striker reacted quickly to Federica Valverde's through pass in the centre field and darted down to finish off the ball to beat Anatoliy Trubin to the left corner. 

Aurelien's goal was his first UEFA Champions League goal for Real Madrid after 39 appearances. The Spaniards will be making their 29th consecutive appearance in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. 

Overview 

It was a tough game for Real Madrid. The victory was hard-earned as the Jose Mourinho-led side was capable of making a comeback. However, Courtois made a couple of great saves to keep Real Madrid in the game.