Real Madrid Defeats Benfica in First Leg of UEFA Champions League Playoffs

BY: JESSICA DOSRAMOS / STAFF WRITER

A stunning goal by Vini Jr. gives Real Madrid the advantage in the tie  (Photo & caption via BBC)

Just three weeks removed from Benfica's four-to-two win over Real Madrid to secure their entry into the playoffs, Madrid bounced back in the first leg of the playoffs, defeating Benfica one to zero. Real Madrid will head into the second leg with a one-goal advantage.

Benfica had already shown in their earlier meeting that they held the edge over Real Madrid, driven in part by their manager José Mourinho, the self‑styled “Special One” after winning the Champions League twice with Porto and Inter Milan. Mourinho, one of the most decorated managers in the sport’s history, previously coached Real Madrid, including Álvaro Arbeloa, the current manager of Real Madrid.  He prioritizes defense over attacking as well as counter-attacks. 

Mourinho left Real Madrid after just three seasons, following several disagreements with players and failing to win a major trophy for Los Blancos in his final season. Real Madrid’s current coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, clearly has a different approach to his coaching style compared to Mourinho, opting for more aggressive plays, but has since learned to strengthen the team's defense.

No goals were scored in the first half of the game. Benfica played defensively and were able to keep Real Madrid from scoring. Madrid used the four-four-two formation, protecting their defenders on both the right and left. The only memorable moment from the first half was Real Madrid’s goalkeeper blocking a shot taken by Benfica’s midfielder, Fredrick Aursnes.

Throughout the game, the home crowd was seen throwing bottles and other items at Real Madrid players, causing a short delay later in the game.

Vinícius Júnior scored the first goal for Madrid, breaking the deadlock, in the 50th minute of the second half of the game, celebrating the goal by dancing. Shortly after the goal was made, the game was halted for 10 minutes. Junior complained that Benfica’s forward, Gianluca Prestianni, called him a racial slur. This led to the referee triggering the anti-racism protocol. The UEFA has also launched an official investigation.

Prestianni was seen covering his mouth with his jersey when he approached the Brazilian player. The Argentinian made a post on Instagram denying that he racially abused Junior. Junior posted on his Instagram story after the game saying, “Racists are above all cowards” and that “They need to put their shirts over their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are.”

Viní’s Jr. 's teammate, Kylian Mbappe, who was interviewed after the game, said he heard Prestianni call Junior a slur. The French player stated, “I heard it. There are Benfica players who heard it as well” and went on to say, “But this player, for me, doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore.”

Mourinho, commented on the incident after the game, making it seem as though he thought Junior had it coming following his dance celebration. Mourinho said, “I told him, when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.” Mourinho also said, “This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”

Both teams will head to Bernabéu in Madrid to play the second leg of the Champions League on February 26 at 3 p.m. EST. Following the incident that occurred last match, tensions will be high going into the next, and with the game being played in Spain, Real Madrid’s fans are going to make Benfica feel their wrath.