A night of shame in the Champions League: Racist attack on Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior! Match stopped for 10 minutes
The UEFA Champions League play-off match between Benfica and Real Madrid was marred by racist chants directed at Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian footballer left the pitch following the incident after his goal, and the referee halted the match.
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A racism scandal occurred during the UEFA Champions League play-off match between Benfica and Real Madrid held in Portugal.
In the 51st minute of the match, Vinícius Júnior gave Real Madrid a 1-0 lead with a stylish strike from the left angle. The Brazilian footballer, who received a yellow card for his celebration after the goal, was subjected to racist chants from Benfica fans at that moment.
Following the incident, Vinicius Jr. left the pitch, and the match referee, François Letexier, stopped the game. Play was interrupted for approximately 10 minutes.
The Benfica - Real Madrid match was stopped for a while due to racism against Vinicius Junior. pic.twitter.com/IR0jba54zj
— TRT Spor (@trtspor) February 17, 2026
Returning to the pitch, Vinicius Jr. went to the referee and alleged that Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni had called him a "monkey." Although the match resumed after this report, whistling from the Benfica stands directed at Vinicius Jr. continued.
The incident has once again brought the issue of combating racism in the UEFA Champions League to the forefront.