Real Madrid back Vinicius Jr after alleged racist abuse in Champions League clash with Benfica
Updated On: 20 February, 2026 08:25 AM IST | Madrid | AFP
Real Madrid have submitted “all available evidence” to UEFA following Vinicius Junior’s complaint of alleged racist abuse during their Champions League playoff clash against Benfica. UEFA has opened an investigation into the incident, while Benfica and their player Gianluca Prestianni have denied the allegation

Vinicius Junior. Pic/AFP
Real Madrid said it had provided "all available evidence" to UEFA on Thursday in support of their Brazilian star Vinicius Junior's complaint of racist abuse during this week's Champions League clash at Benfica.
Tuesday's first leg of the knockout phase play-off tie in Lisbon was stopped for 10 minutes after Vinicius told the referee Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni had called him a "monkey" during a confrontation.
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