Real Madrid fans displayed anti-racism banners before kick-off in support of Vinicius Junior, who faced Benfica again in the Champions League play-off second leg. The Brazilian scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 win, sending the Spanish giants through to the last 16.
Two banners reading “No to racism” and “Respect” were held up by supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu as the teams took to the field. The display came eight days after Vinicius alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg in Lisbon, a claim the Argentinian denied.
UEFA had provisionally suspended Prestianni, ruling him out of the tie. Benfica’s appeal against the decision was dismissed on Wednesday afternoon. The Brazilian had left the field and refused to return for 10 minutes during the first leg after being upset by comments from the crowd.
On the pitch, Benfica took an early lead through Rafa Silva, but Aurelien Tchouameni equalised within two minutes. Vinicius repaid the fans’ support with a cool finish in the 80th minute, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho, criticised for suggesting Vinicius brought abuse upon himself, watched from the stands after being sent off in the first leg. Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out accused Mourinho of “gaslighting” over his post-match comments.
