Real Madrid's win against Benfica to reach the Champions League last 16 was a "victory for everyone who stands against racism", midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni says. Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg, in which the Real forward scored the game's only goal. Support was shown for Vinicius by the home fans as a banner with the words "no to racism" in Spanish was displayed in the stands before kick-off. "I think there are more important things than this match, than football," said Tchouameni, who scored Real's first-half equaliser. Real Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said Vinicius had been his usual self before the fixture, "very chilled" and "very relaxed".

Source: BBC February 26, 2026 01:08 UTC