"With Prestianni suspended as UEFA investigates allegations the Benfica winger racially abused Vinícius in last week's first leg, and Mourinho serving a touchline ban on his return to his former club, the spotlight belonged to Vinícius alone. He responded by scoring an 80th-minute winner that confirmed Real Madrid's place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, making it 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate."
"Vinícius has now scored in his last five Real Madrid appearances. It is by far his best run of form this season, and tied for his career-best scoring streak. Under Álvaro Arbeloa, he has found himself again, scoring as many goals in 10 games with the new coach as he did in 33 matches during Xabi Alonso's troubled reign."
"Played in by Federico Valverde, Vinícius took the ball on, easily outpacing the Benfica defense, and calmly finished past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. He then headed to the corner flag to replicate the goal celebration Mourinho had criticized in Lisbon a week earlier, a huge grin on his face."
Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 at the Bernabéu to advance to the Champions League round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory. Vinícius Junior scored the decisive 80th-minute goal, demonstrating his current exceptional form. The match occurred amid controversy, with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni suspended following UEFA investigation into allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinícius during the first leg. José Mourinho was also absent due to a touchline ban. Despite Madrid's unconvincing performance, Vinícius' quality remained evident. He has now scored in five consecutive appearances, matching his career-best scoring streak and significantly outperforming his output under previous coach Xabi Alonso.
Read at ESPN.com
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