All articles tagged with #benfica
Benfica controlled Milan at San Siro to win 2-0 in the Europa League opener, exposing Milan’s fragile back line and lack of attacking ideas. Ramos was quiet, while substitutes like Pulisic and Saelemaekers offered some spark, and the piece largely criticizes Milan’s defensive organisation and Amorim’s early tactical choices and substitutions.
Jose Mourinho confirmed contact with Real Madrid but said he will only return if the club’s expectations align with what he can deliver. He noted talks with Florentino Pérez haven’t begun yet, though there are ongoing contacts between Real and his agent Jorge Mendes, with discussions expected to continue next week. Benfica’s buyout clause of about $3.5 million expires on May 26, after which he would be free to move if terms are right. Álvaro Arbeloa issued public support, saying he’d be happy to see Mourinho back if he’s the manager next season.
Real Madrid beat Benfica 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu to advance to the next round, with Tchouaméni opening the scoring and Vinícius Jr. sealing the win after a dominant all-around display from Valverde, who supplied two assists. Courtois made four saves, including a remarkable first-half stop, while Raúl Asencio was stretchered off with an injury and Arda Güler marked his 100th appearance with quality on the ball amid some defensive vulnerabilities.
Vinícius Júnior's 80th-minute strike sealed Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Benfica at the Bernabéu, sending them 3-1 on aggregate to the Champions League last 16 despite away fans booing him after last week's racism controversy; Aurélien Tchouaméni had equalized after Rafa Silva's opener, and Madrid displayed anti-racism banners.
Real Madrid announced its starting XI for the Champions League Round of 32 return leg against Benfica, holding a 1-0 aggregate lead and needing only a draw to advance; the lineup includes Gonzalo García replacing Mbappé and Alexander-Arnold back in the XI, with Benfica's predicted lineup also listed. Kick-off is 21:00 CET at the Bernabéu, with broadcast options on Movistar Liga Campeones (Spain) and streaming via Paramount+, DAZN, and Amazon Prime Video (USA).
UEFA’s Appeals Body rejected Benfica’s bid to overturn Gianluca Prestianni’s provisional one‑match ban for alleged discriminatory language toward Vinicius Jr, meaning the Argentine winger will miss Benfica’s second leg at Real Madrid. The ban remains in place pending a full ethics and disciplinary investigation, with Benfica acknowledging the appeal was unlikely to change the outcome. Prestianni trained with the squad at Real Madrid’s stadium as the tie approaches and a further punishment could follow if the investigation substantiates the allegations.
UEFA provisionally banned Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match after Vinícius Júnior alleged racist abuse during the first leg of the Champions League playoff, keeping him out of the second leg while a full ethics investigation proceeds; Prestianni denies the accusation and Benfica plans to appeal, with the sanction potentially affecting Madrid’s return leg.
After racist abuse aimed at Vinícius Jr. by Benfica fans and a defense of the behavior by José Mourinho, a global chorus of players, leaders, and commentators rejects blaming the victim and supports the Real Madrid forward. The piece argues racism is an injustice that must be condemned, not excused or framed as a reaction to a victim’s actions, noting Vinícius’s long history of abuse and his unyielding stance. It highlights commentary that Vinícius has forced real change in football by speaking out openly and refusing to be silenced, challenging clubs, leagues, and societal norms rather than backing down amid controversy.
Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon with Vinícius Júnior scoring the winner, after a 10-minute stoppage due to racist abuse. Mourinho addressed the incident by saying he wouldn’t take sides, urged respectful celebrations, defended Benfica’s history, and noted that racism occurs in many stadiums while emphasizing his independence in judging the situation.
The piece uses a Benfica–Real Madrid match and Vinícius Jr.'s goal as a case study to argue that racist abuse remains endemic in football, condemning club leadership and pundits while urging systemic change beyond hollow rhetoric.
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior scored a brilliant winner in Lisbon, but missiles, allegations of racist abuse from Benfica fans, and a hostile atmosphere dominated the night, prompting post-match debate, Mourinho’s comments, Mbappé’s remarks, and UEFA to review the incident.
Jose Mourinho sparked widespread backlash by suggesting Vinicius Junior provoked racist abuse during Benfica's 1-0 win over Real Madrid, claiming Benfica isn’t racist because its greatest Black legend is Eusebio; Gianluca Prestianni denied racist insults; Clarence Seedorf, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards criticized Mourinho, while Vinicius publicly condemned racist abuse in a post calling for punishment of racists. The piece frames the controversy as part of ongoing battles against racism in football and advocates an independent investigation if accusations are proven.
Benfica clarifies its anti-racism stance as Mourinho cites conflicting accounts in a racism row involving Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni, prompting criticism from Kick It Out and support from FIFA president Infantino to investigate.
Mourinho claimed Vinicius Jr incited racist abuse during Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off with Benfica, contrasting his celebration with accusations of provocation. Vinicius said he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni after scoring; Prestianni denied the insult. Benfica argued the claims could not be heard in the footage. The remarks drew criticism from Seedorf and Henry, while UEFA said official reports are being reviewed.
Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory at Benfica in the Champions League first leg, thanks to Vinícius Jr.’s decisive goal and a display built on defensive authority and midfield control. Courtois produced a world-class save, Rüdiger led the defense, and Camavinga and Tchouaméni helped control the middle, with Mbappé having chances but not finishing; Vinícius Jr. faced racist abuse from sections of the crowd yet showed immense resilience ahead of the return leg.