Real Madrid gained a narrow advantage in their Champions League playoff against Benfica after a challenging match in Lisbon.
Vinicius Jr netted a stunning goal in the second half, giving Real Madrid a one-goal edge to carry into the second leg. His precise curling strike from just outside the penalty area on the left sealed the victory.
However, the aftermath of his goal was marred by a yellow card issued for his exuberant celebration in front of the home fans. Shortly thereafter, Vinicius reported an alleged racist comment directed at him to the referee, which led to an 11-minute halt in play. In the ensuing chaos, Benfica’s coach, Jose Mourinho, received two yellow cards and was dismissed from the match. The second leg will see Madrid host Benfica at the Bernabeu next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in Turkey, Galatasaray triumphed over Juventus in a thrilling 5-2 showdown at RAMS Park. Gabriel Sara got the scoring underway for the home side, but Teun Koopmeiners scored two quick goals to put the visitors in the lead at halftime.
In the second half, though, Galatasaray fought back with goals from Noa Lang, Davinson Sanchez, and Sacha Boey, giving them a commanding three-goal advantage to take into the second leg in Turin.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Over in Germany, Borussia Dortmund secured a 2-0 win over Atalanta, with striker Serhou Guirassy contributing one goal and assisting another. The match was delayed by 15 minutes due to traffic issues with the Dortmund team bus, but they quickly found their rhythm, with Guirassy scoring a header just three minutes in. Max Beier extended the lead to two goals by halftime, ensuring a solid victory for the German side.
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Lastly, Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League title holders, rallied from an early two-goal deficit to defeat 10-man Monaco 3-2 in an away match. Following a poor start, Desire Doue, who came off the bench, helped ignite the comeback by scoring twice and assisting Achraf Hakimi’s goal.
Monaco found themselves down to 10 men for much of the second half; Aleksandr Golovin received a red card after a review by VAR showed a rash tackle on Vitinha warranted a stronger punishment. The European champions will host the return leg in Paris next Wednesday.