Real Fans Display Banner Following Vini Jr.’s Allegation
During the recent match between Real Madrid and Benfica at Santiago Bernabéu on September 25, 2023, fans showed their support for Vinícius Júnior. A prominent banner displaying the message “Não ao Racismo” was unfurled by Real Madrid supporters. This gesture came in response to allegations made by Vinícius Júnior regarding racist insults directed at him by Benfica’s Argentine striker, Prestianni.
Key Events Leading Up to the Match
Prior to the game, Vinícius Júnior reported experiencing racial abuse, which heightened the tension between the two teams. Notably, Prestianni was suspended on September 23, preventing a potential confrontation between him and Vinícius on the pitch. Benfica attempted to appeal the suspension, but UEFA rejected their request earlier on match day.
Managerial Challenges
The challenges for Benfica were compounded by the absence of their manager, José Mourinho. He was suspended following an incident in their previous match in Portugal.
Match Context and Stakes
Real Madrid entered the match already qualified, owing to their earlier victory in Lisbon, where Vinícius Júnior scored the decisive goal. Benfica found themselves in a must-win situation, needing to secure a victory by at least two goals to advance directly to the knockout stages.
Possible Outcomes
- A Benfica victory by one goal would force additional time.
- A two-goal win would ensure direct qualification.
Teams Progressing to the Knockout Stage
The competition’s early knockout round has already seen significant teams such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, and Manchester City secure their places. The four teams that qualified through the playoffs are Atlético Madrid, Bodø/Glimt, Newcastle, and Bayer Leverkusen.
As the tournament advances, the emphasis on supporting anti-racism initiatives in football continues to grow, illustrated by the strong statement made by Real Madrid fans during this critical matchup.
