In a tense Champions League qualifying match, Real Madrid overcame Benfica with a 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu, securing their spot in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate score. Despite struggling throughout the game, Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. proved instrumental, scoring the decisive goal, and establishing himself as a symbol of resilience for the team. His performance highlighted a night where Madrid faced difficulties and had to rely on individual brilliance to secure advancement.

The article reflects on various player performances during the match. Vinicius Jr. stood out not only for scoring but also for embodying the spirit of Real Madrid, showcasing determination at a crucial moment. Furthermore, Tchouaméni's emergence as a strong presence in the midfield was noted, indicating his growing influence within the squad. In contrast, Asencio's performance was criticized as being particularly poor, allegedly leaving the team struggling during a critical phase of the match.

The analysis indicates that while the victory was essential for Real Madrid, it also raises questions about their overall performance and strategy as they head into the knockout stages of the competition. The team's reliance on star players like Vinicius could be a double-edged sword, providing hope for immediate results but also exposing vulnerabilities that may need addressing before facing stronger opponents in the later rounds of the Champions League.