Real Madrid secured their spot in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League by defeating the Portuguese club Benfica 2-1 in the return leg of the playoff. The Spanish team exhibited impressive offensive efficiency, capitalizing on critical scoring opportunities, especially through Vinicius, which highlighted their dominance in front of the goal. Despite Benfica created numerous chances, they failed to convert their opportunities into goals, managing only to earn corner kicks without capitalizing on them effectively.

Several factors contributed to Real Madrid's success in this match, particularly the outstanding performance of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. His crucial saves in the first half were instrumental in maintaining Madrid's lead and thwarting Benfica's attempts to level the match. Additionally, the experience of Madrid players was evident as they managed to handle the pressure of the match and maintain composure, showcasing their ability to navigate high-stakes situations successfully.

Furthermore, Benfica struggled with set-piece executions, despite earning a significant number of corner opportunities, which underlines a tactical deficiency that ultimately cost them in this critical encounter. As a result, Real Madrid's combination of strategic offensive plays, stellar goalkeeping, and experience allowed them to advance further in the tournament, highlighting the distinct challenges Benfica faced against a seasoned competitor like Madrid.