A Vinicius Junior goal against Benfica at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium helped Real Madrid win the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie 2-1 on Wednesday, February 25, and thereby win 3-1 on aggregate. Real have now qualified for the round of 16 of the competition and will be in the hunt to win their 16th title.
The Vinicius Junior goal came after the Brazilian was part of a major controversy in the first leg of the tie in Lisbon, where he was subject to some racial abuse. The Vinicius Junior goal on Wednesday was a fitting reply to all those present in the crowd who had hurled racial slurs against him.
Vinicius Junior Goal Seals Statement Night in Madrid
Vinicius has played in 37 matches for Real Madrid this season with 13 goals scored. This has taken his total tally of goals to 119 in 360 matches for the Spanish giants. The 25-year-old Brazilian is now in his eighth season with the club.
Vinicius has been the standout left-winger in world football for the better part of the last decade. Just as Mohamed Salah has been the best right-winger, Vinicius has been the best on the opposite flank.
There are other players like Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Luis Diaz, who have all played with authority on the left side of the pitch, but none of them has been as successful as Vinicius overall. Dembele and Raphinha have often played in other positions as well.
The Vinicius Junior goal against Benfica in the second leg once again marked his class and ability to shine in key matches. There are other superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham in the Real Madrid side, but Vinicius keeps making his presence felt with his blinding speed and ability to score important goals for his team.
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Will Real Renew Vinicius’ Contract Next Year?
Vinicius’ contract with Real Madrid binds him to the club until the summer of 2027. He will still only be 27 then and might get to play for another big club if Los Blancos decide to part ways with him.
However, given the fact that the Brazilian will still be in his prime, it should surprise many if Real Madrid decide against renewing his contract with them for at least two more years. Vinicius is expected to keep playing for Real at least until the end of the current decade.
However, on the flip side, the club might also think of generating some healthy revenue by selling him at a good price to some other club.
The Vinicius Junior goal against Benfica was his 32nd in Champions League football in 78 matches for Real. He has won the Champions League twice and the La Liga title thrice for the Spanish heavyweights, thus making him one of the most successful players currently playing with the club.
Vinicius should have already done enough to ensure that his game and performance on the pitch are beyond racial abuse which marred the joy in Real’s win over Benfica in Lisbon last week. However, as always, Vinicius has allowed his football to do the talking.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Le Pictorium
Recording Date: 25.02.2026
