Real Madrid secured a vital 2-1 victory over Benfica in a UEFA Champions League knockout stage clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on February 26, 2026. The match result gives the Spanish giants a slender but crucial advantage heading into the second leg of their European tie. The home side started brightly and took the lead midway through the first half with a well-worked team goal finished by their star forward. Benfica responded with resilience and leveled the score just before halftime with a clinical counter-attack. The second half was a tense affair, but Real Madrid's pressure told in the final quarter-hour as they scored a decisive winner from a set-piece situation. The key incident was a late VAR check for a potential penalty for Benfica, which was ultimately dismissed, allowing Real Madrid to see out the win. This result puts Real Madrid in a strong position to progress in the competition, while Benfica will feel they have a fighting chance with an away goal to their name. The managers praised their teams' efforts, with Real's coach highlighting the character shown, and Benfica's manager focusing on the positive performance ahead of the return fixture. The starting lineups featured the usual array of international stars for both historic clubs.