Vinicius scores decisive goal as Real Madrid knock out Benfica amid racism controversy
Vinicius Junior netted the crucial strike as Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, advancing 3-1 on aggregate to reach the last 16.
The Brazilian attackers brilliant effort made the difference in the second leg, which followed a first match overshadowed by claims of racial abuse directed at him from Benficass Gianluca Prestianni, who rejects the allegations.
Jose Mourinhos team remained in contention during the playoff and opened the scoring early at the Santiago Bernabeu via Rafa Silva, but Madrids Aurelien Tchouameni quickly equalised.
Benfica challenged the 15-time winners intensely, yet it was apt that Vinicius, always embracing attention, found the net in the 80th minute to seal the outcome.
"That sums up our Vinicius," Tchouameni remarked proudly to Movistar following the Brazilians key goal.
"Truth be told, we did not begin strongly, but we maintained our belief," the French midfielder continued.
This marked Portuguese manager Mourinhos return to the Santiago Bernabeu since leading Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, though he watched from the stands due to a ban.
After a week focused on the repercussions from the initial encounter, Vinicius started for Real Madrid with Gonzalo Garcia replacing the sidelined French star Kylian Mbappe.
"(Vini) delivered an excellent performance," Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa stated to Movistar.
"He disrupted their defence, found the net, and posed threats whenever he dribbled past opponents."
Benfica missed suspended midfielder Prestianni, whose appeal against a temporary one-match penalty failed earlier that day, while UEFA continues probing the event.
Madrid displayed a prominent banner stating "no to racism" at one end, with the match occurring under the cloud of the prior weeks incident in Lisbon.
Benfica supporters jeered Vinicius, who missed a chance early by poking wide and unsuccessfully claimed a spot kick after Nicolas Otamendi challenged him post-shot.
Benfica earned a rightful advantage in the 14th minute when Madrid defender Raul Asencio awkwardly redirected the ball towards his own net.
Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois parried it, but Silva reacted to poke in from near range.
Spurred on, Madrid drew level just two minutes later courtesy of Tchouameni. The French player struck confidently from outside the area off a driven cross by teammate Federico Valverde.
Madrid believed they had taken the lead when Arda Guler tapped in a rebound after Garcias attempt was stopped, but the Spanish forward strayed marginally offside, and VAR overturned it.
Vinicius keeps on celebrating
Courtois produced a solid stop against Richard Rios before halftime, with Benfica increasing their intensity.
Silva struck the crossbar with a deflected shot just past the hour as Mourinhos squad occasionally dominated the home side.
Madrid suffered a blow when Asencio left on a stretcher following a clash with Eduardo Camavinga.
"It is his neck, but it appears not too serious," Arbeloa noted, adding that the defender headed to hospital for checks.
Ultimately, Vinicius clinched the tie, receiving a pass from Valverde to race clear and slot a composed low finish beyond Anatoliy Trubin.
Vinicius repeated his flag-side dance as in the first leg before the clash with Prestianni, much to Mourinhos annoyance.
"Im glad Vini is dancing, still dancing, as it shows he is netting goals," Courtois commented.
On this occasion, the 25-year-old faced only cheers from ecstatic supporters leaping around him, securing Madrids spot in the last 16.