Real Madrid vs. Benfica: Worrying scenes at Bernabeu as Los Blancos star is stretchered off in a neck brace

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 26, 2026

Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio has been stretchered off wearing a neck brace during the team’s Champions League contest with Benfica on Wednesday night.

Asencio had a sickening collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga when making an aerial clearance in the second half of the Champions League knockout round playoff.

Camavinga was able to recover relatively quickly, but there was immediate concern surrounding Asencio, with the medical team needing to enter the field.

The Spanish defender was fitted with a neck brace and removed from the pitch, with David Alaba his replacement in the 77th minute of the fixture.

Camavinga was also replaced by Franco Mastantuono as part of a double change.

Asencio stretchered off during Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Benfica

Real Madrid are expected to provide an update on Asencio’s condition after the match, and it seems almost certain that the Spaniard will be set for a period on the sidelines.

Los Blancos conceded first to Benfica on Wednesday night, with Rafa Silva on the scoresheet, but Aurelien Tchouameni levelled the scores in the 16th minute.

Vinicius Junior then scored a second for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side in the 80th minute to make it 3-1 to Los Blancos on aggregate, leaving them on the verge of making the round of 16.

Vinicius opened up his body before sliding the ball into the back of the net, and he then hit his dancing celebration from the first leg, which led to widespread criticism.

Vinicius Jr. danced after scoring Real Madrid’s second goal against Benfica ? pic.twitter.com/aShnU4Zsme
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026

Vinicius hits dancing celebration after goal vs. Benfica

The Brazilian, who scored the only goal of the first leg last week, accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him shortly after making the breakthrough in Portugal.

Prestianni was therefore suspended for the second leg while UEFA investigate the incident.

There was never any danger of Vinicius missing the contest, though, and he managed to continue his strong run of form with a crucial goal in the Spanish capital.