Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie in Lisbon, thanks to a stunning goal from Vinicius Jr in the 50th minute. The match quickly turned controversial after the Brazilian forward’s celebration sparked tensions leading to allegations of racist abuse.
The On-Field Incident
Vinicius Jr celebrated his goal by dancing near the corner flag, prompting referee Francois Letexier to issue him a yellow card for provoking the home crowd. As he returned to the center circle, Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni approached him, covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking. Vinicius Jr immediately reported the incident to the referee, alleging racial abuse, and left the pitch, refusing to continue. The game halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocols, raising concerns that play might not resume.
During the stoppage, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho spoke with Vinicius Jr. Mourinho himself received a red card late in the match for protesting a separate incident involving the Real Madrid player.
Mourinho’s Post-Match Comments
Speaking after the game, Mourinho blamed Vinicius Jr for inciting the confrontation. “These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately he was not just happy to score that astonishing goal,” Mourinho stated. “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
When asked if Vinicius Jr provoked the crowd, Mourinho replied, “Yes. I believe so.” He positioned himself as independent on the exchange between Prestianni and Vinicius Jr, adding, “I told him when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back.”
Mourinho defended Benfica’s history, noting, “The biggest person in the history of this club was black,” referring to Portugal legend Eusebio. “This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.” He questioned the pattern of incidents, observing, “A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always.”
Pundits’ Criticism
Amazon Prime Video Sport pundits Wayne Rooney, Clarence Seedorf, and Theo Walcott strongly disagreed with Mourinho’s remarks. Rooney called them “very unfair,” saying Mourinho’s words left room for misinterpretation.
Seedorf expressed respect for Mourinho but labeled his comments a “big mistake.” “He’s actually saying it’s okay when Vinicius provokes you to abuse and be racist. And I think that is very wrong,” Seedorf said. He stressed that no circumstance justifies racial abuse, pending any investigation.
Walcott described the views as “disappointing,” noting, “He was still a bit emotional and it was the one time we shouldn’t have heard from him tonight.”
Vinicius Jr Responds
Vinicius Jr issued a statement condemning the alleged abusers as “above all, cowards.” “They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are,” he wrote. “But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them.”
He reflected on receiving a yellow card for celebrating, calling the protocol response “poorly executed.” “I don’t like to appear in situations like this, especially after a big win,” he added.
Teammates’ Reactions
Kylian Mbappe showed visible anger during the incident, restrained by teammates. England international Trent Alexander-Arnold called the events “disgusting” and a “disgrace to football.” “It’s overshadowed the performance, especially after such an amazing goal,” he said. “There’s no place for it in society.”
