Benfica looking for some magic at the Bernabeu

As Benfica heads to the iconic Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League knockout playoff against Real Madrid tomorrow, the Eagles are chasing a miracle. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at Lisbon, where Vinicius Jr.'s lone goal proved to be the winner, a Jose Mourinho-less side faces an uphill battle against the 15-time European champions. 

The first leg was marred by controversy, with Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni suspended for the game due to alleged racial abuse toward Vinicius in the first leg, while Mourinho himself is banned from sideline after a pair of quick yellow cards due to abuse of the match official.

Yet, Benfica are looking to stun their Spanish rivals again after a 4-2 league phase victory over Madrid just weeks ago, where they dismantled the Galacticos at home. Can the Portuguese giants find just a little more magic on this night and make a statement across Europe.

Benfica look to get on track with league game

After what has been a crazy 72 hours, Benfica look to turn their attention to Week 23 action against AVS at the Luz tomorrow before traveling to Madrid for the second leg of the Champions League playoff against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Lisbon club has come under increased scrutiny due to a launched UEFA investigation into winger Gianluca Prestianni who was accused by Vinicius Junior of saying a racist remark towards him. Prestianni has already presented his side of the story to UEFA investigators and a decision on the outcome of the investigation should come shortly.

Jose Mourinho spoke briefly with Benfica TV earlier today and says that the club is focused on this weekend's game with AVS but admitted that it has not been easy since the 51st minute on of the Real Madrid game both emotionally with what happened and what is still happening.  

Benfica lose in Champions League in a game with a chaotic second half

The Benfica and Real Madrid first leg Champions League playoff at the Luz yesterday, delivered high drama but ultimately ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the visitors on this night.

Real Madrid will now take a crucial advantage back home next week, thanks to a stunning second half strike from winger Vinicius Junior after a tense and cagey first half. Benfica under Mourinho's guidance showed defensive resilience against Madrid's star studded attack but were unable to capitalize on the chances that arose.

Benfica pressed selectively but struggled to create clear chances, with their midfield failing to impose control or transition effectively into attacking phases of the field. The midfield duo of Fredrik Aursnes and Leandro Barreiro failed regularly to link play, leaving forwards isolated and allowing Madrid 58% of the possession in the game.

The game ignited early in the second half when Vinicius Junior curled a magnificent effort into the top corner in the 50th minute. The goal sparked chaos as Vinicius's celebration appeared to antagonize the home crowd, leading to allegations of racial abuse by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni towards Vinicious.

Referee Francois Letexier halted play for around 10 minutes, invoking UEFA's anti-racism protocol. Tensions would boil over during this stoppage, as a Benfica staff member was handed a red-card, while heated exchanges erupted on the sidelines and field between both players and coaching staff, Mourinho would even speak one on one with Vinicius in an attempt to calm things.

The second half would resume, with Benfica pushing for an equalizer but hampered by their midfield's inability to build continued coherent attacks. The climax would then come in the 85th minute, as Mourinho, furious over perceived leniency toward Real Madrid players, accused officials of holding back yellow cards on Madrid players like Tchouameni, Huijsen, Vinicius and others.

Two quick yellows followed for dissent, resulting in a red card that sent Mourinho to the stands. He will now miss the return leg to Bernabeau in what was a chaotic second half that turned shameful on many fronts. The tie still hangs in the balance, but the Luz night will be remembered more for controversy than what was an exceptional game of footballing brilliance.