Real Madrid left Lisbon with a 1-0 advantage on February 17, 2026, after Vinícius Júnior curled a brilliant second-half strike beyond Benfica’s goalkeeper, but the result was immediately overshadowed by a serious off-field issue: Vinícius claimed he had been the target of a racial slur by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, the referee halted play under the anti-racism protocol for roughly 10 to 11 minutes, and UEFA has said it will review the match reports and footage.
The match, in facts
Benfica hosted the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout play-off on February 17, 2026. The key, verifiable facts are:
- Final score: Benfica 0, Real Madrid 1.
- Goalscorer: Vinícius Júnior, approximately five minutes into the second half, a curled finish from inside the box.
- Match interruption: Play was stopped after Vinícius reported an alleged racist comment to the referee, who signaled the anti-racism protocol and paused the game for around 10 to 11 minutes.
- Disciplinary events: Benfica manager José Mourinho was later sent off, and a member of Benfica’s staff received a red card during the stoppage.
- Context: The two sides had met less than three weeks earlier in a high-scoring league meeting on January 28, 2026, when Benfica won 4-2, a result that further intensified the matchup.
What happened on the pitch
Real grew into the game second half, and Vinícius produced the decisive moment with a technically exquisite finish. The celebration that followed triggered confrontation, and Vinícius, claiming a racial slur, approached referee François Letexier. Letexier crossed his arms to signal activation of FIFA and UEFA procedures, and play was halted while officials, players, and staff discussed next steps. Real players threatened to leave the pitch in support of Vinícius, before the match resumed and finished with the 1-0 scoreline.
"Racists are, above all, cowards," Vinícius wrote after the match, in a message that crystallized the emotional tenor of the evening.
Multiple viewpoints and immediate reactions
- Real Madrid: Players and staff publicly backed Vinícius, describing the incident as unacceptable and supporting the decision to pause the match while a protocol was followed. Several teammates, including some senior figures, said they believed Vinícius and described the episode as part of a recurring problem the player has faced. Real’s coaching staff said the club would cooperate with any investigation.
- Benfica and Prestianni: Benfica released a statement defending the club while the player accused of the remark denied the allegation, saying the exchange was misinterpreted. Benfica’s manager expressed regret about the night’s events but did not fully endorse either version of events in his immediate post-match comments, noting both players’ accounts differed.
- Governing bodies and observers: UEFA indicated it would review match reports and any available footage, and that disciplinary action would follow if racist language or behavior was confirmed. Anti-discrimination groups and pundits used the moment to highlight perceived shortcomings in how incidents are prevented and punished.
Wider context: this tie and the recent history between the clubs
The two matches in late January and mid-February captured the intensity of a renewed contest between Portugal’s Benfica and Spain’s Real Madrid. Key background items:
- On January 28, 2026, Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2 in Lisbon, a high-drama league fixture that included a stoppage-time header by Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. That result gave Benfica momentum and made the February play-off meeting even more charged.
- The February 17 match was the first leg of the knockout play-off, with the return leg scheduled to be played in Madrid later in the month. The play-off format means the second leg will decide who progresses to the Champions League last 16.
Quick comparison table: recent head-to-head
Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Notable moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 28, 2026 | Champions League, league phase | Estádio da Luz | Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid | GK Anatoliy Trubin 98' header sealed the win |
Feb 17, 2026 | Champions League, knockout play-off 1st leg | Estádio da Luz | Benfica 0–1 Real Madrid | Vinícius Júnior goal, match halted over alleged racial slur |
Tactical snapshot
Both matches showed contrasting approaches. Benfica, managed by José Mourinho, used structured counterattacks and set-piece threat to create chances, and their home victory in January showcased finishing from several attackers plus an unusual late goalkeeper goal. Real Madrid, under coach Álvaro Arbeloa, prioritized possession, quick transitions, and relied on the attacking flair of Mbappé and Vinícius to unlock tight defences. The rebuilt Real back line also demonstrated solidity in Lisbon during the 1-0 win.
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Probable tactical shapes (simplified):
Benfica: 4 2 3 1
- Compact midfield, wing support, set-piece emphasis
Real Madrid: 4 3 3
- Ball progression via midfield, wide forwards cutting inside, full-backs support
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Consequences and what to watch next
- UEFA investigation: Officials said they would examine official reports and footage. If a player is found to have used racist language, regulations carry heavy minimum suspensions and additional sanctions may follow.
- Second leg implications: Real’s 1-0 away win gives them a narrow advantage, but the atmosphere in the return leg will be charged, and the off-field controversy could affect selection decisions, security measures, and stadium protocols.
- Sporting fallout: Both clubs face scrutiny. Benfica must manage fan behavior and how it communicates with players and opponents. Real Madrid will monitor player welfare and the club’s broader stance against discrimination. The incident has re-opened debate over whether current protocols are sufficient to deter racist abuse effectively.
Voices from the week after the game
- Supporters of Vinícius and anti-racism campaigners called for swift, transparent action from UEFA and national authorities, arguing that repeated episodes require systemic remedies, including better camera usage and stadium policing.
- Critics of the handling of the incident argued that, while the activation of the protocol is necessary, enforcement and afterwards discipline often lack speed and clarity, leaving victims frustrated.
- Neutral observers warned clubs, broadcasters, and governing bodies that the contest between elite teams must be protected from episodes that could delegitimize the sport’s competitive integrity and moral standing.
Bottom line
On the field, Real Madrid took a valuable 1-0 lead in Lisbon, but off the field the match became a flashpoint for a wider, painful debate about racism in football. The sporting story, the disciplinary outcomes, and the long-term consequences for both clubs will play out in the coming days and weeks, with UEFA’s probe and the return leg in Madrid set to determine, in very different ways, which club advances and how the sport answers another high-profile allegation.
If you are following the tie, expect the coming fixture to be as much about security and tone-setting as it is about tactics and goals, and note that the story will continue to develop as disciplinary processes and official reviews conclude.