Real Madrid’s advancement to the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Benfica on Wednesday has been framed by midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as a triumph extending beyond football. The French international declared the win symbolic for “everyone who stands against racism,” redirecting attention from the match’s technical performance to its broader social significance.
The context stems from the first leg encounter last week, which was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse directed at Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. UEFA has provisionally suspended Prestianni pending investigation, rejecting an appeal from Benfica against the ban earlier on Wednesday.
A powerful visual statement greeted players at Santiago Bernabeu, where a large banner reading “no to racism” was prominently displayed. Vinicius, who scored Madrid’s second goal, celebrated on social media with the message: “The dance continues.”
In a separate but related incident, Real Madrid security personnel identified and expelled one of the club’s own members from the stadium before kickoff for performing a Nazi salute during the broadcast. The club issued a statement condemning “this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society.”
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa expressed particular satisfaction with Vinicius’s goal, noting it was especially meaningful given the circumstances. “With joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it,” Arbeloa stated.
The match also highlighted concerns regarding French superstar Kylian Mbappe’s fitness. Arbeloa confirmed post-match that Mbappe would be sidelined temporarily with a knee issue described as a minor injury, with the club prioritizing his full recovery for upcoming crucial fixtures.