Real Madrid Vs Benfica — Tchouaméni calls win 'for everyone who stands against racism'

real madrid vs benfica ended with Real Madrid overturning a first-half deficit to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu and progress 3-1 on aggregate to the Champions League last 16, in a tie shadowed by allegations that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinícius Júnior in the first leg. The result was framed by Aurelien Tchouaméni as "a victory for everyone who stands against racism. "

Real Madrid Vs Benfica at the Bernabéu: banned player travelled but did not play

Gianluca Prestianni, the Argentinian winger who has denied the allegation that he racially abused Vinícius Júnior, travelled with the Benfica squad to Madrid but did not play after UEFA imposed a provisional one-match suspension. Benfica appealed the decision, but UEFA rejected the club's last-minute appeal and dismissed the case on Wednesday afternoon. UEFA said: "Mr Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible. " Benfica president Rui Costa argued the club would not "permit a racist player within the squad. "

Tchouaméni: 'a victory for everyone who stands against racism' and player of the match form

Aurelien Tchouaméni described the outcome as "a victory for everyone who stands against racism, " and added that there were "more important things than the match, than football. " The France international, who was born in France but is of Cameroonian descent, scored Real's first-half equaliser with a powerful long-range strike — his first goal of the season — and won the player of the match award for a second straight Champions League game. He said: "I'm doing things well. I've tried to do what I know. I'm very happy with the goal, it's something I have to improve on. I have a lot of confidence. I try to do my best in every game and we have to keep it up. "

Vinícius Júnior delivered the decisive moment and repeated his corner-flag dance

Vinícius Júnior, who had opened the tie by scoring the only goal in Lisbon, again found the net in Madrid to make the difference. His 80th-minute strike gave Real breathing space and sealed the tie, with images of him dancing by the corner flag mirroring his celebration from the first leg. The Brazilian posted on social media that "the dance goes on. " Real's coach Álvaro Arbeloa said: "[I reacted] with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it. " Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole praised his performances over both legs: "He was brilliant over both legs. His finish was superb. "

Key moments: Benfica lead early, Tchouaméni levels, Vinícius settles it — and what's next

Benfica made the perfect start in Madrid when Rafa Silva levelled the tie after 14 minutes, putting the hosts 1-0 down on the night. Tchouaméni restored parity before half-time with his long-range effort, and Vinícius's goal with 10 minutes remaining ultimately decided the tie. Real won the return leg 2-1 and advanced 3-1 on aggregate. The club will now face either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the last 16.

Team-mates and teammates' reactions: Alexander-Arnold, Tchouaméni and club voices

Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Real Madrid and England defender, said Vinícius had been "very chilled" and "very relaxed" before the fixture and that "He didn't need to score to send a message or show his mentality. He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone because he's shown time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him the most. He knows his quality and what he brings to the team. " Tchouaméni praised Vinícius's focus and confidence, saying: "Vinicius keeps his confidence and keeps focused on what he needs to do. "

Stands, banners and the public message against racism

Home supporters displayed banners in Spanish reading "no to racism" and held up messages including "No to racism" and "Respect" before kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu, and those messages were read out as the players took to the field. Tchouaméni welcomed UEFA's decision to prevent Prestianni from playing the return leg, calling it the right decision for the match and reiterating that there are things more important than football.