What unfolded in the Benfica vs Real Madrid match

Real Madrid earned a 1-0 victory at Benfica – Benfica vs Real Madrid. But the headline from the Estadio da Luz was not just the scoreline. In the 50th minute Vinicius Junior curled a superb strike past Anatoliy Trubin to put Real ahead. Moments after celebrating, Vinicius was involved in an on-field confrontation with Benfica winger Gianluca prestianni. He told the referee he had been racially abused. Match officials halted play and signalled the anti-racism protocol, a stoppage that lasted roughly 10–11 minutes. Real players briefly left the pitch in protest before play resumed and the visitors held on to their slender away lead.

The stoppage and the anti-racism protocol in action

When the referee used the crossed-arms gesture to indicate alleged racist abuse, the established anti-racism steps were activated. Players from both sides moved to the touchline, stadium staff were contacted and officials engaged with the teams before allowing the match to continue. The protocol’s measures — which can include announcements to the crowd, a temporary suspension and, ultimately, abandonment if necessary — were central to the decision-making during the pause. After the restart, play remained intense but Real limited Benfica’s clear chances.

Key moments and incidents that shaped the evening: Benfica vs Real Madrid

• 50th minute: Vinicius Jr’s curled strike gave Real Madrid the lead.
• Shortly after: Vinicius received a yellow for an exuberant celebration, then confronted prestianni and reported racist language.
• Stoppage: The game was paused for about 10–11 minutes while the anti-racism protocol was followed; Real briefly left the field.
• Late in the match: An object thrown from the crowd struck Vinicius on the arm as he prepared for a corner, further inflaming tensions.
• Disciplinary note: Benfica manager José Mourinho received two yellow cards late on and will miss the return leg in Madrid.

Responses from players and clubs

prestianni has denied directing a racist slur, calling the incident a misunderstanding. Vinicius condemned the abuse and his reaction. And the episode has amplified debate over how effectively clubs, officials and governing bodies police allegations of racial abuse during high-profile games. The stoppage, the object thrown from the crowd and the exchange between players will all reviewed by competition authorities.

Consequences and what’s next for the tie

Refereeing decisions and the pause in play will now face scrutiny from UEFA disciplinary panels. Which typically examine player conduct, crowd behaviour and how anti-racism protocols applied. The teams meet again in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, February 25 (3:00 PM ET). With Benfica needing to overturn the 1-0 deficit. Beyond the result, the fixture has reignited calls for clearer outcomes and firmer protections for players in the UEFA Champions League when allegations of racist abuse arise.

For now, the winning goal and the stoppage dominate the narrative coming out of Lisbon. A match that combined top-level finishing from Vini Jr with an on-field incident that could have lasting repercussions for Benfica, Real Madrid and the competitions tasked with policing such behaviour.

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