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.
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