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Benfica

All articles tagged with #benfica

Madrid edge Benfica to seal Champions League progression as Valverde shines
sports3 days ago

Madrid edge Benfica to seal Champions League progression as Valverde shines

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.

Madrid names XI for Benfica showdown, chasing draw to seal Round of 16
sports3 days ago

Madrid names XI for Benfica showdown, chasing draw to seal Round of 16

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).

Ban upheld as Prestianni sits out Real Madrid test
sports3 days ago

Ban upheld as Prestianni sits out Real Madrid test

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 imposes provisional one-match ban on Benfica's Prestianni amid racism allegations
sports5 days ago

UEFA imposes provisional one-match ban on Benfica's Prestianni amid racism 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.

Vinícius Jr. Refuses to Be Silenced by Football’s Racism
sports9 days ago

Vinícius Jr. Refuses to Be Silenced by Football’s Racism

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.

Mourinho Defends Benfica, Urges Respect After Vinícius Júnior Incident
sports10 days ago

Mourinho Defends Benfica, Urges Respect After Vinícius Júnior Incident

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.

Mourinho draws fire with controversial Vinicius Jr racism comments
sports10 days ago

Mourinho draws fire with controversial Vinicius Jr racism comments

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.

Mourinho accuses Vinicius Jr. of provoking racism in Benfica showdown
sports11 days ago

Mourinho accuses Vinicius Jr. of provoking racism in Benfica showdown

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.

Vinícius Jr. delivers deciding moment as Real Madrid edge Benfica in Lisbon
sports11 days ago

Vinícius Jr. delivers deciding moment as Real Madrid edge Benfica in Lisbon

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.

Vinicius racism row overshadows Benfica tie as Mourinho faces backlash
sports11 days ago

Vinicius racism row overshadows Benfica tie as Mourinho faces backlash

Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid's 1-0 win, triggering a 10-minute stoppage; Mourinho sparked backlash by suggesting Vinicius celebrated disrespectfully and questioning whether Benfica is racist, comments described as a ‘big mistake’ by Seedorf and condemned by Alexander-Arnold. The incident drew further condemnation from Mbappe and Henry, with calls for urgent UEFA action ahead of the second leg.

Real Madrid edge Benfica after 10-minute pause sparked by racist abuse allegation
sports11 days ago

Real Madrid edge Benfica after 10-minute pause sparked by racist abuse allegation

Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout tie at Benfica was paused for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior alleged racist abuse; following a discussion with referee Francois Letexier and an interaction with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, play resumed with Real Madrid leading 1-0. The match finished 1-0 after extended stoppage time (12 minutes), during which an object struck Vinicius. Vinicius posted a condemnation of racism on Instagram, while Pavlidis defended Prestianni and no further comments from him have been issued.