Real Madrid star hits personal milestone on critical UCL night

Madrid—On a tension-filled night at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid moved one step closer to the Champions League round of 16 and did so behind a historic moment from one of their emerging midfield anchors. Locked at 1-0 on aggregate after last week’s narrow win in Lisbon, Los Blancos welcomed Benfica to the Spanish capital knowing any slip could derail their pursuit of a 16th European crown.

The tie sprang to life inside the opening quarter-hour when Rafa Silva slammed home from close range in the 14th minute, leveling the overall score and momentarily silencing the home crowd. The Portuguese side’s advantage lasted barely 180 seconds. French international Aurélien Tchouaméni, arriving late at the edge of the box, lashed a low drive beyond the goalkeeper to restore Madrid’s aggregate lead and swing momentum back to the hosts.

The strike carried added significance: it was Tchouaméni’s first goal in the Champions League since joining the club from Monaco, making him the first Real Madrid player to open his European account during the knockout phase since defender Éder Militão. With the tie delicately poised, the 24-year-old’s intervention could prove pivotal in deciding which side advances to the quarter-finals.

As the final whistle looms, Madrid will hope Tchouaméni’s milestone moment is remembered as the goal that kept their continental dream alive.