Racism scandal surrounding Vinicius Jr., loss of Kylian Mbappé, early deficit, serious injury – Real Madrid had to overcome a lot of resistance in the Champions League playoffs against Benfica Lisbon. But the “Royals” managed it and made it through to the round of 16 with a 2-1 (1-1) win.
The game was particularly influenced by what happened in the first leg, when Vinicius Jr. was said to have been racially insulted by Benfica professional Gianluca Prestianni. Before the game, UEFA had confirmed the Argentine’s ban for the second leg at the Bernabeu, meaning there was no meeting between Vinicius Jr. and Prestianni. But there was a very clear message in the stands: There the Real fans showed an oversized banner with the inscription “No racism” (“No to racism”).
However, especially in the first few minutes of the game, the Benfica supporters also had an audible message ready, they whistled at Vinicius Jr. every time he touched the ball. The club officials had previously supported Prestianni, who has so far denied racist insults, and the fans also apparently believe their player’s statements.
Real Madrid counterattacks Benfica leadership fast
Not only this topic caused a lot of controversy, but also the sporting explosiveness after the narrow 1-0 in the first leg – Vinicius Jr. scored the golden goal, after which there were the scenes in which Prestianni pulled his jersey over his mouth and is said to have insulted the Brazilian. And Benfica equalized this deficit in the 14th minute. Thibaut Courtois initially prevented Raúl Asencio from scoring an own goal with an outstanding reflex, but Rafa Silva made the save.
Lisbon had earned this early lead; the guests, who had to make do without coach José Mourinho (suspended after yellow-red in the first leg), had already produced several dangerous attacks. The goal, however, was the wake-up call for Real, who equalized just two minutes later. After a great assist from Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni shot the ball powerfully from 16 meters into the goal (16th).
Offside saves Lisbon, Courtois saves Madrid
After that, Benfica remained the slightly better team, but Madrid managed to turn things around – at least that’s how it looked for a few moments. Arda Güler poked the ball in the crowd just in front of Benfica keeper Anatolij Trubin (his goal in the group phase made this duel possible), but Gonzalo Garcia had previously been narrowly offside (32′). The 21-year-old replaced top striker Kylian Mbappé, who will be out for a little longer, as coach Alvaro Arbeloa said before the game.
The Royals were unlucky by a few centimeters, but were lucky that they had an exceptionally good keeper in their own goal. Apart from Courtois, very few people would have saved Richard Rios’ very hidden shot in the 38th minute, but the Belgian dived in a flash and scratched the ball off the line. So Real went into the half-time break with a lead (including the first leg result).
Both teams miss top chances
After that, Valverde had a great chance to give the Madrilenians the lead, but after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s low cross, the captain missed the ball six meters in front of the opponent’s goal (48th). Asencio also had a good opportunity a little later, but the defender’s header went just over (53′), and a low shot from Alexander-Arnold went just wide shortly afterwards (56′).
Madrid dominated, but Benfica also remained dangerous – and suddenly came closest to taking the lead. Rafa Silva tried from a distance and his shot with the outside of his foot was deflected in such a way that it would probably have been unstoppable for Courtois and in this case the Belgian goalkeeper had to be saved by the crossbar (60th). It was similar in the 68th minute with Vangelis Pavlidis’ shot, which Antonio Rüdiger directed wide of the goal.
Asencio shock after collision
The game was on a knife edge, but after a violent collision between Asencio and Eduardo Camavinga it came to a standstill. Asencio fell so hard to the ground that after lengthy treatment his neck and neck area had to be fixed and he had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher. There were dramatic scenes, and his teammates were shocked.
“It seems to have something to do with his neck. It doesn’t look serious but he’s in hospital and hopefully it’s just a scare. It was a bad fall and seeing him on the stretcher turned our stomachs.”said Arbeloa after the game on the Spanish television channel “Movistar”.
Vinicius Jr. makes the decision
Shortly after Asencio’s injury, Vinicius Jr., who saved the net after Valverde’s second assist in front of the opponent’s goal and made it 2-1 (80th), ensured Spanish happiness again. Real’s left winger danced at the corner flag, the Bernabeu celebrated. But that had to be feared again because Benfica came very close to equalizing again after a backheel trick from Rafa Silva, but the ball rolled past (82′).
However, it was the last time that Lisbon posed any danger; it remained a victory and advancement for Real – and a happy ending for Vinicius Jr., who decided both games with his goals. Who the 25-year-old wants to continue his goal streak against will be decided in the draw on Friday; Sporting Lisbon and Manchester City are the possible opponents in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, it will be very difficult, we have no preference”said Arbeloa, who said of Vinicius’ performance: “He played a great game, scored a goal and used every opportunity to create danger. With Kylian we needed him, without him we need him even more. He has to be our leader and the linchpin of our game. We hope he continues to maintain this level.”
