Vinicius scores and leaves the field after alleged racist comments
Vinicius Jr scored a superb winner in the Champions League before temporarily leaving the pitch after an alleged racist incident between Real Madrid and Benfica.
The Brazilian striker unleashed an unstoppable shot to give Alvaro Arbeloa's men the lead shortly after the break.
He was booked for his celebrations and had objects thrown at him from the stands.
Television footage showed a heated exchange between Vinicius and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni.
The striker then spoke to referee François Letexier and went to sit in the dugout as play was suspended for around 10 minutes. Letexier made a gesture with crossed arms to report racist abuse.
Both coaches talked to the player for a while and play eventually resumed.
Former Real Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was then shown a red card for dissent during an ugly second half at the Estadio da Luz.
The real players were continually pelted with objects from the stands on a difficult evening for players and officials.
On a more positive note, Vinicius is now the second highest-scoring Brazilian in the Champions League with 31 goals, overtaking Kaka with 30. Only Neymar has scored more (43).
More to follow.
2026-02-17 22:03:00
