benfica Denies Claims of Physical Clash Involving Rui Costa After Playoff Loss
Benfica has issued a categorical denial of claims that club president Rui Costa was involved in a physical altercation with a member of the opposing delegation following the club's 1-0 home defeat in the Champions League playoff first leg. The episode, first raised by a Spanish journalist late on February 17, 2026 ET, has heightened tensions around an already charged fixture.
What was claimed
A Spanish radio journalist described a confrontation in the tunnel after the match, saying that Rui Costa and a member of the opposing delegation, who was neither a player nor a coach, became embroiled in shouting and what the journalist characterized as physical contact, requiring others to intervene. The account said there were insults exchanged and that the situation had to be defused by third parties.
The game itself finished 1-0, with the only goal coming from Vinícius Jr., and was overshadowed earlier by a separate controversy: the match was paused for around 10 minutes after an on-field exchange in which Vinícius Jr. accused a Benfica player of using a racist slur. That episode remains under scrutiny and has already drawn considerable attention.
Benfica's response
Benfica issued a firm statement dismissing the alleged confrontation as untrue and without foundation. The club described the claims as completely false and unfounded, insisting that the president was not involved in any discussion or physical confrontation with a member of the opposing delegation.
The statement stressed the seriousness of the accusation and framed it as an attempt to misrepresent events at the stadium. Club officials called for clarity and urged that unverified allegations not be amplified while investigations or official clarifications are pending.
Context and potential fallout
The timing of the allegations amplifies their significance. A high-profile knockout tie in European competition, a narrow defeat at home and an earlier interruption over an alleged racial insult have combined to make the fixture a flashpoint for controversy. Emotions run high in such moments, and claims of physical confrontations involving senior club figures typically prompt rapid attention from competition organizers and governing bodies.
At present, details remain unverified beyond the initial claims and Benfica's denial. There has been no public, detailed account from the opposing delegation addressing the specific allegation about a clash involving the club president. Given the sensitivity of the matters raised—both the alleged tunnel confrontation and the earlier racial incident—competition officials could seek further information or open inquiries if formal complaints are lodged.
For supporters and observers, the episode will be watched closely in the coming days. Benfica prepares for the return leg under heightened scrutiny, with both disciplinary and reputational implications possible depending on any further revelations or official findings. The club's swift rejection of the claim sets the stage for a tighter spotlight on match-day protocols and conduct in and around the stadium as European fixtures progress.
Filmogaz will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as verified information becomes available and as any governing body statements or disciplinary actions are announced.
