Vinicius Jr scores as Real Madrid secure their place in the Champions League last 16 with victory over Benfica at the Bernabeu.

Vinícius Júnior scored a poignant goal against Benfica to help guide Real Madrid into the Champions League round of 16 for the 23rd straight season.

Los Blancos host their Portuguese opponents - who dramatically beat them 4-2 on the final day of league phase action - at the Bernabeu on tonight holding a narrow 1-0 advantage in their quest to reach the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition, where they would face either Manchester City or Sporting.

Two of Álvaro Arbeloa’s most important players will not feature at the Bernabéu.

Spanish giants Real Madrid face Portuguese side Benfica in the Champions League today, with Madrid holding a 1-0 lead on aggregate following Vinicius Jr.’s winner in the first leg. This highly anticipated match kicks off on Tuesday,

Real Madrid hosts Benfica tonight in the second leg of the Champions League play-offs. After securing a first-leg win thanks to a stunning goal from Vinicius (0-1), Álvaro Arbeloa’s men will look to finish the job at home and book their place in the round of 16, where they could face Sporting or Manchester City.

Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid are set for what's likely to be an emotionally charged return match with Benfica in the Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, while Italian soccer is heading for humiliation.