Real Madrid Beat Benfica, Stand Against Racism

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Benfica on Wednesday night to advance to the UEFA Champions League round of 16. However, the result carried wider significance after midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni described the win as a stand against racism. The Spanish side overturned a first-leg controversy that involved teammate Vinícius Júnior, who had alleged racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during their earlier encounter.

Although Prestianni denied the allegation, but officials handed him a one-match suspension, which ruled him out of the return leg. Meanwhile, supporters displayed solidarity with Vinícius before kick-off. They showed banners that read “no to racism” across the stands. Subsequently, Real Madrid rallied from an early deficit on the night to seal a 3-1 aggregate win. Vinícius scored the decisive second goal late in the match.

“I think there are more important things than this match, than football”, Tchouaméni said after the final whistle. “Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do”.

Vinícius Responds the Racism with Crucial Goal

Real Madrid responded positively despite early pressure from the Portuguese side. Tchouaméni struck the equalizer before halftime, which shifted the momentum. Later in the second half, Vinícius finished calmly in the 80th minute to give his team a breathing space in the tie. He celebrated the win with his trademark dance near the corner flag. He repeated the gesture that followed his goal in the first leg. Soon after, the Brazilian wrote on social media that “the dance goes on”.

Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold praised his teammate’s composure before the match. “He didn’t need to score to send a message or show his mentality”, he said. “He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone because he’s shown time and time again how good he is”. Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole also commented about Vinícius. He said, “He was brilliant over both legs. His finish was superb”.

Mourinho Returns as Mbappé Sidelined

Elsewhere, the evening marked José Mourinho’s first return to Real Madrid’s home ground since his managerial spell between 2010 and 2013. Nevertheless, suspension prevented him from taking his place in the dugout.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, manager Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed that Kylian Mbappé has missed the match due to a knee injury. “I hope that it’s not a very serious injury”, Arbeloa said. “Nothing major, and that he’ll be able to come back in a few days or weeks.” Although challenges remain ahead, Real Madrid’s progression now reflects both sporting resilience and a broader message beyond the pitch.

Web Resources on Real Madrid vs Benfica Football Match

1. ESPN.com: Vinícius Jr. seals Real Madrid progress amid Benfica boos
2. BBC.com: Real Madrid win ‘for everyone who stands against racism’
3. France24.com: Real Madrid victory for ‘everyone against racism’-Tchouameni
4. AlJazeera.com: Real Madrid send ‘all available’ Vinicius evidence to UEFA in racism row