prestianni benfica: Vini Jr. halts Benfica-Real after alleging racial insult, referee triggers anti-racism protocol
Real Madrid left Lisbon with a 1-0 advantage, but the night was overshadowed when Vinícius Jr. accused a Benfica opponent of racial abuse following his second-half goal. The referee activated the anti-racism protocol, the match was paused for roughly ten minutes, and tensions spilled onto the pitch and into the stands.
Goal celebration sparks confrontation, referee François Letexier pauses match
Vinícius opened the scoring early in the second half with a spectacular strike that settled the scoreboard at the Estádio da Luz. His celebration near the corner flag, close to the home supporters and members of a Benfica organized group, provoked a strong reaction from the hosts. Players from both sides confronted one another; the Brazilian was shown a yellow card for his celebrations.
Moments later a heated exchange between Vinícius and Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni escalated. Vinícius stopped play to alert the referee and accused Prestianni of using a racist slur. French official François Letexier immediately signaled the use of the governing body's anti-racism protocol, bringing play to a halt for around ten minutes while officials, players and staff tried to calm the situation.
During the stoppage, teammates including Kylian Mbappé and midfielders clustered around Vinícius. Benfica’s coach also approached the Real Madrid forward in an attempt to defuse the confrontation. After the break in play the match resumed, but jeers and abuse from parts of the crowd continued, and objects were thrown toward Vinícius as he moved around the field.
Denials, reactions and what’s next
Prestianni has publicly denied any racist intent, stating he has never been racist and that his actions were misunderstood. Mbappé stood by Vinícius and said the forward had been insulted; other teammates and observers described the scene as ugly and distracting from the tie itself. The official match report will include the referee’s account of events, setting the record for any subsequent disciplinary review.
The fallout carries into the second leg at Real Madrid’s home ground. The return fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, the 25th, at 3: 00 PM ET. Beyond the sporting stakes — a place in the knockout rounds — disciplinary bodies will now consider whether further action is warranted against players, supporters or the clubs involved.
Matchday captains were summoned during the interruption and discussions involved staff from both teams. The decision to resume play followed those talks, but the atmosphere remained charged. Vinícius was booed and jeered with each touch after the break, and Mbappé also drew sustained whistles from the crowd.
European competition protocols aim to provide a clear framework when discrimination is alleged: referees can stop matches, confer with captains and escalate matters to governing authorities. What happens next will hinge on the formal statements lodged in the official match record and any additional evidence collected from broadcast footage and stadium stewards.
For now, Real Madrid will prepare to host Benfica with a slender lead. Both clubs and governing bodies face scrutiny over how swiftly and transparently they handle allegations of racism, while players and fans await the formal outcome of the referee’s report and any disciplinary proceedings that follow.
