Vinicius, Racism Row And Real’s Response: Here's What Happened In Lisbon | WATCH

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 08:01 IST

Vinicius scored a stunner in Lisbon — but allegations of racist abuse, a 10-minute stoppage and fiery reactions stole the spotlight.

Vinicius Junior did what he does best on Tuesday night — win big games.

But after scoring the only goal in Real Madrid’s 1-0 Champions League play-off victory over Benfica, he left Lisbon angry and defiant.

The Brazilian forward accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during a heated exchange moments after his stunning 50th-minute strike, a curling effort into the top corner that should have defined the night.

Instead, the game was halted for more than 10 minutes as French referee Francois Letexier activated UEFA’s racism protocol.

Vinicius, already booked for celebrating in front of the home fans, told the referee he had been called “mono" — the Spanish word for monkey.

“Racists are, above all, cowards," Vinicius wrote on Instagram, referencing Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt. “They need to put their shirts over their mouths to show how weak they are.

“But they have, at their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, are obligated to punish.

“Nothing that happened today should be tolerated in my life or my family’s.

“I don’t like to speak out in situations like this… but it’s necessary."

No disciplinary action was taken during the match.

‘It’s Disgusting…A Disgrace for Football’

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said Prestianni denied the accusation and criticised Vinicius’s celebration.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way," Mourinho said, before adding: “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens, always."

Mourinho was later sent off for protesting that Vinicius deserved a second yellow.

Madrid’s dressing room closed ranks.

“It’s disgusting… a disgrace for football," said Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Kylian Mbappe added: “This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League again."

Captain Federico Valverde reflected: “If you cover your mouth to say something, it’s because he’s saying something that’s not good… I’m proud of Vini."

For Vinicius, who has endured repeated racist abuse in Spain, including incidents at Valencia and convictions involving Atletico Madrid fans, it was another painful chapter.

Real saw out the win. But once again, the conversation went far beyond football.

(with agency inputs)

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