Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off on Tuesday night, but the result was eclipsed by fresh racism allegations involving Vinícius Júnior.
Match paused after alleged abuse
The encounter in Lisbon was halted for nearly 10 minutes in the second half after Vinícius reported alleged racist abuse from the stands shortly after scoring the decisive goal.
French referee François Letexier implemented FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, temporarily stopping play before the match eventually resumed.
Goal sparks tension
Vinícius broke the deadlock early in the second half with a superb curling strike into the top corner. However, his celebration in front of the home supporters appeared to inflame tensions.
During the stoppage, Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni approached the Brazilian and spoke to him while covering his mouth. Vinícius reacted angrily, with teammate Kylian Mbappé also stepping in as tempers flared.
Following protests from Madrid players, the referee paused the match. Vinícius briefly left the pitch and was seen speaking with Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa and Benfica manager José Mourinho before returning to continue the game.
Madrid ultimately held on for the win, taking a slender advantage into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Mourinho rejects racism claims
Speaking after the match, Mourinho firmly dismissed suggestions that Benfica could be linked to racist behaviour.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens — always,” Mourinho told Amazon Prime.
“This club, the last thing that it is, is racist,” he added. “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
He also referenced Benfica legend Eusébio while defending the club’s history and values.
Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold voiced his support for his teammate, saying: “He has got a strong mentality. He has been subject to this a few times throughout his career and he handled it excellently.”
An investigation into the alleged incident is ongoing, and Vinícius has yet to issue a public statement.
For now, the controversy has shifted focus away from Madrid’s narrow victory as both sides turn their attention to next week’s decisive return leg.
