Benfica out of Champions League after gutsy performance

In the electrifying second leg of the Champions League playoff, Benfica showcased sheer guts and determination against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Benfica struck first in the 14th minute when Rafa Silva tapped in the opening goal, leveling the aggregate and stunning the hosts but that lasted all but two minutes as Real responded swiftly with Aurelien Tchouameni's equalizer.
 

Benfica though refused to crumble and they continued to press relentlessly, creating chances and testing Thibaut Courtois, embodying the fighting spirit that defines the club but Vinicius Junior's 80th-minute winner sealed a 2-1 defeat and a 3-1 aggregate win as Real advanced to the last 16.

Benfica showed their potential against the Spanish powerhouse but it was not meant to be and they exit the Champions Leagues with €53.1 million in their coffers and will now turn their attention to the Portuguese League as the look to fight for the title. 

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.