More Than a Win: Real Madrid’s Message Against Racism
Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Benfica became a powerful anti-racism statement as Vinicius Jr shone amid racism controversy.
Midfielder Aurelien Chouaméni says Real Madrid's victory against Benfica to reach the last 16 of the Champions League was "a victory for everyone who stands up against racism."
Vinicius Junior alleged that Benfica's Gianluca Prestiani racially abused him during the first leg, in which the Real forward scored the game's only goal.
Prestiani – who has denied racially abusing the Brazilian – was later handed a one-match ban, meaning he missed Wednesday's return leg.
Home fans showed support for Vinicius, as banners reading "No to racism" in Spanish were displayed in the stands before kick-off.
Vinicius was again on the scoresheet, scoring Real Madrid's second goal, helping the Spanish team recover from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 and secure their place in the next round with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
"I think there are more important things than this match, more important than football," said Chouameni, who scored Real's equalizer in the first half.
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"Vinicius has maintained his confidence and is focused on what he has to do.
"I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy [Prestiani] play this match.
"As I said, there are more important things than football, and this is a win for all of us."
Real Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold said that Vinicius was, as always, "very chilled" and "very relaxed" before the match.
"He didn't need to score a goal to send a message or show his thinking," the former Liverpool player said.
"He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone because he has shown time and again how good he is.
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"When we need him most, he comes forward. He knows his quality and what he brings to the team."
Vinicius Junior celebrated his goal in the first leg by dancing near the corner flag - and he celebrated in a similar way on Wednesday, when his 80th-minute goal gave Real the lead.
The Brazilian posted on social media after the match that "the dance continues."
Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa said: "[I] obviously reacted with joy, what a brilliant goal he scored, and because that's what he was, he deserves it."
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Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said: "I'm happy that Vini is dancing, still dancing, because it means he's scoring goals."
This game marked Jose Mourinho's first homecoming since managing Real Madrid between 2010-13, although he didn't sit in the dugout due to suspension. could.
On a night of celebration for Real Madrid, the one negative was that Kylian Mbappé missed the game due to injury and will be out for some time due to a knee problem.
"After yesterday's session, we spoke to the doctors, I spoke to them, and we felt it was best for him to stop, recover 100%, and come back in top shape, confident, and without any problems, which is obviously very important," Arbeloa said.
"I hope it's not a serious injury, nothing major, and he'll be back in a few days or weeks."
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