Khaberni - Vinícius Júnior scored a stunning goal in the second half to grant Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Portuguese host Benfica in the first leg of the qualifiers for the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, on a night overshadowed by the Brazilian accusing Gianluca Prestiani of racially insulting him.
The alleged incident occurred moments after Vinícius scored the equalizing goal for Real Madrid five minutes after the end of the break at Estádio da Luz, before referee François Lutkeix halted the game for 11 minutes to activate the FIFA anti-racism protocol.
Television footage showed the Argentine winger covering his mouth with his shirt before making a comment interpreted by Vinícius and his nearby teammates as a racial insult against the 25-year-old player, who has repeatedly faced racist incidents during matches in Spain.
Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde told Movistar Plus, "It is unbelievable that with dozens of cameras in the stadium, none could capture the racial insult (made by Prestiani), but if you cover your mouth to say something, that says a lot."
He added, "According to my teammates who were close by, they heard something very disagreeable. Many people fight against racism in soccer, and Vinícius is one of them. I am proud of him and his outstanding performance."
Benfica started the game strongly, but the visiting team gradually controlled the match, while the host seemed content with counter-attacks, and Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, made a spectacular one-handed save to Frederik Orsnes’ shot in the 25th minute.
Real Madrid ended the first half strongly, and the score only remained unchanged thanks to the skill of the goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who saved his goal from two certain goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Güler.
The game's only goal came five minutes after the end of the break, after Mbappe surged forward and passed the ball to Vinícius on the left side, who advanced before penetrating into the box and striking an incredible shot into the far top corner.
Vinícius celebrated by dancing at the corner flag, earning a yellow card from the referee for excessive celebration.
While arguing with the referee, the striker got into a verbal altercation with Prestiani, prompting Vinícius and several of his teammates to rush towards the referee.
Lutkeix put his arms in front of his face, activating the anti-racism protocol and halting the game. Real Madrid players threatened to leave the pitch as tensions escalated before the match eventually resumed after 11 minutes.
The atmosphere became hostile, and Vinícius faced loud boos whenever he touched the ball, and the broadcast showed Mbappe angrily describing Prestiani as "a damned racist" several times after the game resumed.
The tension escalated again in the 85th minute when Vinícius fouled Richard Rios. Benfica coach José Mourinho rushed towards the fourth official demanding a second yellow card for the Brazilian, but he received a warning for his protests.
Still irate, Mourinho continued to protest and soon received a second yellow card.
Benfica pressed in the last minutes but only managed three shots on goal in the match, giving Real Madrid a slight advantage before the second leg next Wednesday at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
