benfica vs real madrid: Mourinho criticised after Vinicius incident halts match
Real Madrid's 1-0 victory in Lisbon was overshadowed when Vinicius Jr left the field following alleged racist abuse by a Benfica player, triggering a 10-minute stoppage and fresh controversy over the handling of on-pitch racism. The incident has intensified scrutiny of comments from Benfica's manager and left players and former stars publicly condemning the reaction.
What happened in Lisbon
The match paused shortly after half-time when Vinicius ran to the referee to complain about alleged abuse from a Benfica youngster. The Brazil forward, who scored the only goal of the night, signalled that words had been used that he considered racist and briefly led Real Madrid off the pitch. Officials enacted an anti-racism procedure on the touchline and, after a stoppage of around 10 minutes and discussions involving players, managers and match officials, play resumed.
Vinicius later described those who use racist language as "cowards, " saying they reveal their weakness by hiding behind words. He also criticised the execution of the referee's protocol, calling it poorly handled. Teammates voiced support, with several saying they would have joined him in leaving the field if that had been his decision.
Benfica's academy player denied the allegation, insisting there was a misunderstanding. The referee signalled that the anti-racism protocol was being activated, and the game continued to a full-time result that left Real Madrid with a narrow advantage heading into the return leg.
Mourinho's reaction and the fallout
Benfica's manager questioned aspects of Vinicius's celebrations and suggested there was more than one version of events, prompting a fierce backlash. Critics argued the manager's remarks risked minimising or rationalising racist behaviour. A former midfielder described the coach's comments as a major mistake that could be read as justifying racial abuse — a stance that many called unacceptable.
Players on both teams condemned the episode. One defender labelled the incident "a disgrace to football" and said there is no place for such behaviour in the sport or wider society. Another high-profile player said the young Benfica player should not be allowed to feature in the competition again if the allegation is substantiated.
Voices within the game also criticised how the match officials handled the sequence, with some arguing that the protocol intended to stamp out racism needs clearer and faster enforcement to protect players and preserve the integrity of competition.
Looking ahead to the second leg
Attention now turns to the return fixture on 25 February (ET), where emotions will run high and both clubs face questions about next steps. Real Madrid will travel with a slim advantage but also with unresolved feelings over the episode in Lisbon. Benfica must balance sporting preparation with addressing the reputational damage and ensuring academy players understand the gravity of such allegations and the consequences if they are proven.
Governing bodies overseeing the competition will be expected to review the incident, examine any evidence and determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted. The wider debate sparked by the event underlines a recurring problem in football: how to eliminate racist abuse, ensure effective protocols are in place, and protect players who speak out.
Whatever the disciplinary outcomes, the match in Lisbon has already intensified calls for stronger, clearer measures to prevent similar incidents and to ensure that when allegations arise they are handled swiftly, transparently and firmly. The second leg on 25 February (ET) will not only decide a tie on the field but will also be watched closely for how both clubs and officials respond to the fallout off it.
