On 25/2, Real Madrid advanced despite Kylian Mbappe's absence due to a knee injury in the return leg. Vinicius once again proved decisive, scoring the 2-1 winning goal in the 79th minute against Benfica. A week earlier, in the first leg, the Brazilian forward had also secured a 1-0 victory with a stunning curling shot.

"When Mbappe is available, we still need Vinicius. And when Mbappe is out, we need Vinicius even more", Coach Arbeloa stated after the match at Bernabeu stadium. "He must be the leader, the standard for Real. Everyone can see the difference he makes".

Vinicius celebrates the winning goal in Real's 2-1 victory over Benfica in the Champions League playoff return leg on 25/2. Photo: AFP

Real started the match unsteadily, with Benfica's Rafa Silva scoring a rebound in the 14th minute to take the lead. Yet, at a critical juncture, the most successful team in Champions League history leveraged individual brilliance to recover. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni leveled the score in the 16th minute. Vinicius then delivered his decisive moment with approximately 10 minutes remaining in the second half.

Arbeloa acknowledged that Real faced significant pressure from Benfica, struggling to build play from their own half and encountering difficulties in attack. He commended the importance of the equalizer and Tchouameni's recent performance.

In the second half, center-back Raul Asencio collided with teammate Eduardo Camavinga, requiring hospitalization. Arbeloa confirmed the player sustained a neck issue, though it was not considered serious.

Real will face either Man City or Sporting in the round of 16, depending on the draw. During the group stage on 10/12 last year, under former coach Xabi Alonso, Real suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Man City. "Regardless of the opponent, the match will be very difficult. We do not differentiate between opponents", Arbeloa added.

Thanh Quy (according to AS)