Real Madrid fans displayed anti-racism banners before kick-off as Vinicius Junior faced Benfica again in the Champions League play-off round second leg. The Brazilian started at the Santiago Bernabeu after alleging he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg in Lisbon.
Supporters held up banners with messages such as 'No to racism' and 'Respect', which were read out as the teams took to the pitch. Vinicius repaid their support with an 80th-minute finish to secure a 2-1 win on the night and a 3-1 aggregate victory, sending Real Madrid into the last 16.
Benfica had taken an early lead through Rafa Silva, but Aurelien Tchouameni equalised within two minutes. UEFA had provisionally suspended Prestianni on Monday, ruling him out of the tie, and dismissed Benfica's appeal on Wednesday. A UEFA statement said the suspension was 'without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make'.
The incident in Lisbon saw Vinicius leave the field and refuse to return, causing a 10-minute stoppage after he scored the only goal. Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was criticised by anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out for suggesting that Vinicius brought abuse upon himself with his celebration.
