benfica denies physical confrontation claims after Real Madrid tie

benfica has issued a categorical denial after media accounts circulated alleging a physical altercation between club president Rui Costa and a member of the Real Madrid delegation following the Champions League playoff first-leg match. The club called the claims false and unfounded as tensions from the game continue to dominate discussion.

What was alleged late on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET)

Late on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), a Spanish journalist described scenes of confrontation in the tunnel after the 1-0 defeat, saying that Rui Costa and a non-playing, non-coaching member of the Real Madrid entourage became involved in a physical exchange and had to be separated amid shouting and insults. Those accounts placed the alleged incident in the immediate aftermath of the match at the stadium.

The game itself was decided by a goal from Vinícius Júnior. The contest was marked by a notable stoppage after an exchange between Vinícius Júnior and Benfica youngster Prestianni, which escalated into an on-field interruption and wider controversy over alleged racist language. That episode heightened emotions on both sides and framed the post-match atmosphere.

benfica’s response and the club’s position

The club quickly moved to rebut the alleged confrontation, issuing a clear statement that the claims were "completely false and unfounded. " The statement denied that the president had been involved in any discussion or physical confrontation with a member of the Real Madrid delegation, characterising the reports as a baseless accusation.

benfica’s denial of the episode is concise and unequivocal. The club insisted there was no truth to the narrative of a physical scuffle involving Rui Costa and reiterated that the president was not involved in any such incident. The statement aims to close the matter while the fallout from the match continues to be scrutinised.

Potential fallout and what to watch next

With both the match controversy and the conflicting accounts now in the public domain, several threads remain to be resolved. Governing bodies and match officials may review footage and testimonies if formal complaints are lodged. Meanwhile, the original claims and the club’s rebuttal could prompt further statements from involved parties or independent clarification about what happened immediately after the final whistle.

Sporting incidents that touch on alleged misconduct or racially charged exchanges tend to produce sustained scrutiny. In this case, the combination of an on-field interruption, heated exchanges, and now an allegation of a tunnel confrontation elevates the need for clear, verifiable information from match authorities or neutral observers.

For now, benfica’s official position is that the president was not involved in any physical or verbal altercation with a member of the opposing delegation. The club’s denial leaves the initial media claim standing as contested, and supporters and neutrals will be watching closely for any further clarifications ahead of the second leg.