Benfica published late-night video challenging Real Madrid's account of an alleged racist insult at Vinicius Jr, prompting a UEFA inquiry and renewed debate around the incident
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The Champions League first-leg meeting between Real Madrid and Benfica was overshadowed by an explosive allegation of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward scored the match-winning goal, but the game became notable for an intense confrontation after an exchange with Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.
A stoppage under FIFA’s antiracism protocol followed, and the episode has since taken on a wider significance following a late-night release of additional footage by Benfica on 18/02/.
The newly posted clip, shared on social media in the early hours, shows a pitchside angle of the confrontation and has been used by Benfica to question parts of Real Madrid’s public narrative.
Meanwhile, UEFA has confirmed it has opened an inquiry into the events. The incident has produced strong reactions from players, managers and commentators, and it has reignited discussion about how elite football handles allegations of discriminatory behaviour.
What happened on the pitch
Five minutes into the second half, Vinicius Jr curled a decisive shot into the top corner to put Real Madrid ahead. The goal celebration that followed was penalised with a booking for excessive celebration, and immediately afterwards a heated exchange occurred between Vinicius and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. Television pictures showed Prestianni lifting his shirt over his mouth while speaking, a gesture that Vinicius and some nearby teammates interpreted as concealing a racial slur.
The referee, Francois Letexier, activated FIFA’s antiracism protocol, temporarily suspending play for around 11 minutes while players and officials debated whether to continue. Real threatened to leave the field, and the atmosphere in the stadium became hostile when the match resumed, with Vinicius and other Real players receiving loud boos from sections of the crowd.
Reactions and fallout
Reaction from the Real Madrid dressing room was immediate and strong. Teammates and staff voiced support for Vinicius, with some players alleging they heard a racist insult. French forward Kylian Mbappé and others confronted Prestianni during the stoppage and afterwards, and several Real players were outspoken in the mixed zone. The club demanded a thorough review of the episode, describing the behaviour reported by their player as unacceptable.
Benfica’s manager, Jose Mourinho, addressed the incident publicly and defended his club while also questioning aspects of the episode. Mourinho suggested differing accounts existed and urged a cautious approach, saying he did not want to blindly endorse one version over another. His remarks drew criticism from some former players and pundits, who argued that any justification of racist behaviour — or comments that appear to excuse it — is unacceptable.
Vinicius Jr issued a heartfelt message on social media describing racism as cowardly and noting the recurring nature of such incidents in his career. Prestianni denied using racist language, saying Vinicius had misunderstood him, and expressed concern about receiving threats after the match. Real players, including prominent figures, publicly condemned the alleged abuse and called for accountability.
Benfica footage and the UEFA investigation
In a dramatic twist, Benfica published a pitchside camera angle late on 18/02/— around 2am — asserting that the new clip raised questions about Real’s version of events. The Portuguese club argued the video shows context that had not been visible on broadcast cameras and suggested the incident may not have occurred in the way it was presented by some observers. Real disputed that claim and stood by their players’ testimony.
UEFA confirmed it has opened an investigation into the matter. The governing body will review available broadcast and stadium footage, referee reports, and witness statements as part of its process. The probe aims to establish an accurate chronology, determine whether discriminatory language was used, and assess any potential sanctions. Both clubs have said they will cooperate with UEFA’s review.
Wider implications for football
The episode has reignited perennial concerns about racism in sport and the effectiveness of current protocols. Observers have debated whether existing procedures for on-field stoppages and post-match investigations are sufficient to deter abuse and protect players. The case also highlights the modern reality that social media and club-released footage can rapidly reshape public perceptions and escalate disputes beyond the stadium.
As UEFA’s examination proceeds, emotions remain high and the stakes are significant for both teams. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by clubs, players and anti-discrimination groups, as it could influence how similar incidents are handled in the future and whether new measures are recommended to strengthen the sport’s response to racist behaviour.
For now, the match result stands, but the controversy surrounding the exchange, the late-night footage release and the formal inquiry mean the aftermath will continue to unfold off the field as closely as events were watched on it.
