Overview
- Vinícius Júnior told officials Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni used a racist slur, pointing to him and reporting the word “mono,” which led the referee to stop play for roughly 9–11 minutes.
- The Brazilian had just scored the winner and was booked for an excessive celebration near home fans before approaching the referee to make his complaint.
- Objects were thrown from the stands during the second half and stoppage time, with a bottle striking Vinícius as tensions in the Estádio da Luz escalated.
- Benfica coach José Mourinho was sent off late on for dissent and will serve a touchline ban for the return leg in Madrid.
- Real players, including Kylian Mbappé and Trent Alexander-Arnold, condemned the episode as disgraceful, Benfica said the club is not racist and Prestianni disputes the allegation, and Brazil’s CBF issued support for Vinícius.