In a recent press conference, Real Madrid‘s head coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, addressed the contentious events that marred his team’s Champions League encounter against Benfica. The match, which took place on Tuesday evening, saw Real Madrid secure a narrow 1-0 victory on Portuguese soil, a result that places them in a favorable position for the round of 16.
The focal point of the controversy was the racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior by Benfica’s Prestiani. This incident triggered the activation of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol, leading to a significant 10-minute stoppage in play. Arbeloa, refusing to downplay the severity of the event, issued a forceful condemnation of the insult aimed at his star player.
Behind the Scenes at the Bernabéu
Further elaborating on the match’s context, Arbeloa emphasized that his team would not underestimate their opponent in the upcoming second leg at the Bernabéu. The coach’s statements underscored a professional respect for the challenge posed by the Portuguese side, despite the off-pitch disturbances that overshadowed the first fixture.
The victory, hard-fought and pivotal, was ultimately sealed by a decisive contribution from Vinicius Junior, whose performance on the pitch proved instrumental in navigating a tense and hostile atmosphere. The events of the evening have since sparked widespread debate, placing the issue of racism in football firmly back under the international spotlight.