The atmosphere and conduct witnessed at the Da Luz stadium presented a stark contrast to the scene from twenty days prior. On this occasion, the focus of the home supporters shifted decisively towards defending their player, the alleged aggressor Prestianni, while simultaneously directing accusations towards the alleged victim, Vinicius. The precise sequence of events between the two athletes remains shrouded in uncertainty, a mystery that will persist until UEFA concludes its investigation and provides a definitive clarification.
A Regrettable Collective Stance
Irrespective of the unresolved incident, the subsequent behavior exhibited by Benfica‘s players and their fanbase drew widespread criticism for its lamentable nature. This collective posture, perceived by many as unsportsmanlike, overshadowed other aspects of the match’s narrative. The controversy extended to the touchline, where Mourinho, having initially maintained a measured composure, ultimately succumbed to frustration. His protests, vehemently arguing for a second yellow card to be shown to the Brazilian forward, escalated to an excessive degree.
While the core of his technical argument regarding the disciplinary action might have contained merit—a sending-off would also have ruled Vinicius out of the return leg—the manager’s manner of protest once again proved to be his undoing. The consequence of this outburst is a suspension, meaning he will not be permitted to occupy the dugout for the upcoming match at the Bernabéu.
The undeniable reality of the situation is that the overall demeanor surrounding the clash departed significantly from the previous encounter, casting a pall over the proceedings and shifting attention away from the football itself to a series of contentious off-the-ball incidents and their fraught aftermath.