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A tense night at the Estádio da Luz saw a Champions League playoff clash between SL Benfica and Real Madrid overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior.
The first leg encounter was temporarily suspended in the 52nd minute after French referee François Letexier activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol. The official crossed his arms in an X shape following a complaint from Vinícius Júnior, who reported receiving a racist insult from a Benfica player identified as Prestianni. Play resumed eight minutes later.
Arbeloa: “Zero tolerance for racism has to be absolute”
Speaking after the match, Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the incident in firm terms.
"Ask the Benfica player what he said to Vini Jr. Everyone in the football world deserves an answer to that question, and that is all I can say. Zero tolerance for racism has to be absolute for us, and we cannot allow such things to happen on a football pitch in 2026. What Vini Jr. told me he was called, I obviously believe him. I don't think he would make something like that up, and I will never doubt Vini Jr.'s words."
Arbeloa explained that the squad rallied around the Brazilian forward during the stoppage.
"I only asked him if he wanted to keep playing. We were by his side, and whatever decision he made, we were going to stand together. We must always support him and remain a team. I've always told them that we ride together and die together. When someone has this kind of attitude towards one of us, we always stand by them. We are a united team, and we will always fight together as we did today."
When asked whether the team considered leaving the pitch, he added:
"The referee told me he didn't hear anything and can't do anything about these kinds of situations. Whatever decision Vini Jr. made, we are obviously by his side, and we cannot tolerate these types of attitudes or allow them to occur on a football pitch. Whatever Vini Jr. decided, we would stand by him."
Despite the disruption, Arbeloa praised his side’s performance and warned against complacency ahead of the return leg.
"I didn't see Vini Jr.'s celebration, but I did see the amazing goal. When Mourinho finds out what happened and what his player said, he will be the first not to allow it. Zero tolerance for this, and very pleased with the team's performance. All the players showed a very solid performance, and this is the Real Madrid we want to see."
On Vinícius’ emotional state, he said:
"The sad thing is that this is not the first time. He is not only a spectacular player but also a great person and a wonderful young man loved by everyone. Once you get to know him, it doesn't take long to realize what a good person he is and how often he has had to fight against situations like this. He has always been a fighter, and he will continue to be one. We will always be by his side."
Mbappé: “It’s unacceptable”
Forward Kylian Mbappé also spoke forcefully about the incident.
“Vinicius scores the goal and goes to dance. The crowd boos him, which is something that happens. Then there is a moment of tension with the Benfica players, which can also happen because this is the Champions League and it's normal, as people want to win for their fans. After that, Benfica's number 25, I don't want to say his name, he doesn't deserve it, started speaking badly to him. It's unacceptable, but it has happened and will happen. But then he lifted his shirt to say that Vini is a monkey five times, I heard it. There are Benfica players who heard it too. And after this point, everything that was seen started.”
He stressed the need for clarity and fairness:
“It needs to be explained calmly, we must not speak in general terms. I have come to Portugal many times, and nothing like this has ever happened. In these situations, it is important to speak clearly, and there are people who did nothing wrong. Surely there were 70,000 people who wanted to support their team. I have the utmost respect for Benfica and their coach, but this player does not deserve to play in the Champions League anymore. I think this competition inspires everyone, especially children. If we allow these kinds of things to pass, all the values of football mean nothing, and everything we believe in means nothing. Something must be done.”
On standing by his teammate, Mbappé added:
“The first thing I want to say is that we are in the Champions League. There are the best cameras in the world. Look at his face when he saw our reaction. We must not let these things pass. Then I went with Vini because he didn't want to play anymore, and as I said in the press conference before Monaco, we cannot leave him alone in these situations. We must stand united and defend our own."
Detailing the alleged insult, he said:
“He said it five times. I am speaking as clearly as possible. I am telling you what I think and what I heard, and I heard it very well. It is important to explain it calmly so that as many people as possible can understand the situation.”
He concluded by reflecting on Vinícius’ resilience:
“I was near Vini in the locker room. This is not the first time he has experienced these kinds of cases. It hurts me a lot for him because it seems like it's easy. Some people say he talks too much and provokes. Has Vini ever provoked in his career? Possibly. Has he done bad things in his career? Possibly. But he will never deserve these kinds of things. I cannot understand or believe that there is a human being who can deserve this kind of treatment.”
UEFA and Benfica respond
European football’s governing body UEFA released a brief statement following the controversy:
"The official reports from the matches played last night are currently being reviewed. Where issues are reported, proceedings are opened and, if they lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, they are announced on the UEFA disciplinary website. We have no further information to provide you or any other comment to make on this matter at this stage."
Benfica also addressed speculation circulating after the match, stating on X:
“It is completely false that the president of Sport Lisboa e Benfica was involved in any discussion or physical confrontation with a member of Real Madrid. This is a totally false and unfounded accusation.”
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