What a strike it was from the incredible Brazilian and Real Madridian. Coming from the left flank and firing an unstoppable right footer, which swirled in, beating Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica’s goalkeeper, Vinicius Jr stamped his authority on the match and won it for his team, but not before being unfortunately allegedly abused racially on the field.
It was sheer drama that unfolded at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon last night as Real Madrid visited Lisbon to play Benfica in the 1st leg of the UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 playoff.
Vinicius Jr scored a sensational goal in the 50th minute and then celebrated with a dance near the corner of the home fans, that not only irked the spectators but the referee too booked the Brazilian for his over the top celebrations.
The matter may have ended there, but Gianluca Prestianni said something to Vinicius, covering his mouth, which Vini alleged was a racial slur. The match stopped for 10 minutes as a visibly irate Kylian Mbappe came in full support of Vinicius, along with other Real Madrid players, as a melee ensued.
The match resumed, and Real Madrid held on to the lead and ensured a 1-0 victory. In the interim, Benfica Manager Jose Mourinho was sent off following his tirade against the referee and will not be available in Benfica’s dugout in the 2nd leg at the Bernabeu.
The match was indeed marred by the Racial incident as Vinicius Jr once again found himself at the receiving end of racist abuse. Unfortunately, many in Benfica, including Jose Mourinho, criticised Vini’s celebrations and, in a way, suggested that Vinicius himself was responsible for the abuse against him.
Mourinho’s comments understandably and correctly received widespread condemnation. How can Racial Abuse be acceptable? It only tarnishes humanity and football itself. Even if Vinicius’ celebration was in bad taste, he did not deserve to be racially abused.
It was yet another controversial match between Real Madrid and Benfica. The 2nd leg will be a must watch in Madrid. Though Real have a slender lead, it will not be easy for Benfica, particularly after what happened in Lisbon last night.
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