Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 at home to advance to the Champions League last 16, a result manager Alvaro Arbeloa framed as a victory for those opposing racism. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni stated the win represented 'a victory for everyone who stands against racism', following allegations that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused forward Vinicius Jr during the first leg. Prestianni received a one-match ban, missing Wednesday's game where Vinicius scored the decisive second goal.

Before kick-off, Madrid fans displayed a banner reading 'no to racism' in Spanish, and Vinicius celebrated his goal with his trademark dance, posting online that 'the dance goes on'. Former players and teammates praised Vinicius's performance, with Joe Cole calling him 'brilliant' over both legs. Real's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois expressed happiness at seeing the dancer back on the pitch.

The win marked Mourinho's first return to the Santiago Bernabeu since managing the club from 2010-13, though he was suspended. A significant negative was Kylian Mbappe's absence due to a knee injury requiring time out.