All about Vini: Stellar winning screamer, racism, walkout... and Madrid's win over Benfica

If the previous duel between Benfica and Real Madrid, in which the Eagles’ custodian Anantoliy Trubin scored the added-time goal that secured his team the knockout phase and sent Los Blancos to the playoffs, was hard to describe, the description of the one played last night could fit into just one two-word name - Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian’s banger sealed the 1-0 victory for Alvaro Arbeloa’s crew, but instead of making that the highlight of the match, the attention, like often before, switched to some ugly things that do not belong in football.

Right after his 50th-minute goal and Vini’s celebration, which provoked the home fans, Benfica players also wanted to “settle the score” with him, and after all the fuss, Madrid forward reported a racist insult uttered by Gianluca Prestianni. The referee activated the anti-racism protocol, while Vinicius refused to play, prompting a 10-minute break.

Afterwards, the game entered a peaceful, slow phase, the packed Estadio da Luz booed the Brazilian in unison until the end, and everything remained open until the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu, though Arbeloa’s men made a significant step towards the next Champions League round.

Unlike the clash 20 days ago, when the opening half brought three goals, last night it was goalless.

Jose Mourinho opted for a strong defensive block, which his former player, Alvaro Arbeloa, had little idea how to break.

In the 19th minute, Vinicius Junior had a solid chance, receiving the ball in Benfica's box. The Brazilian shot on the turn, but fired it narrowly wide of the right post.

Is Guler really bullied in Real’s dressing room?

Genuine Real Madrid's pressure occurred in the final minutes of the first half, when the Eagles' hero from the previous clash, the custodian Anatoliy Trubin, pulled off two massive saves after Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler's strikes.

On the other hand, Fredrik Aursnes' decent long-range attempt midway through the first half, which Thibaut Courtois excellently stopped, was the only notable offensive effort from the home team.

The way they finished the first period, Los Blancos started the second. The opener was inevitable and it came after only five minutes. The visitors initiated a quick counter, and even though they didn't have numerical advantage, Vini had enough room to score a genuine banger and put Madrid in front!

Still, instead of a fierce battle following the deadlock-breaker, we got a ten-minute break, as the Brazilian forward first provoked the home fans, was booked, and then accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racism, refusing to continue the match. Once the anti-racism protocol was activated and the pause ended, only one thing was certain - this case was far from over, despite the game resuming.

Afterwards, the clash again entered a slow phase and the first-half rhythm was back on. Even though the entire Estadio da Luz booed him in unison, Vini had two decent efforts which Trubin stopped, while Mourinho was sent off in the 85th minute, meaning he won't be in the dugout in Madrid in eight days.

Arbeloa's crew in the end skilfully defended the lead and gained a significant advantage ahead of the return match at Santiago Bernabeu. However, 20 days ago, Benfica showed what they are capable for. Los Blancos know Mou very well and are aware that he should never be underestimated. Hence, we can undoubtedly expect fireworks when these two teams face each other on February 25 (23.00).

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - PLAYOFFS

First leg

Tuesday

Galatasaray - Juventus 5-2 (1-2)

/Sara 15, Lang 49, 75, Sanchez 60, Boey 86 - Koopmeiners 16, 32/

Benfica - Real Madrid 0-1 (0-0)

/Vinicius 50/

Dortmund - Atalanta 2-0 (2-0)

/Guirassy 3, Beier 42/

Monaco - PSG 2-3 (2-2)

/Balogun 1, 18 - Doue 29, 67, Hakimi 41/

Wednesday

20.45: (7.75) Qarabag (4.50) Newcastle (1.42)

23.00: (5.00) Bodo (3.90) Inter (1.68)

23.00: (3.85) Club Brugge (3.90) Atl.Madrid (1.95)

23.00: (2.50) Olympiakos (3.35) Leverkusen (2.85)

***odds are subject to change***