Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid edges Benfica amid racism allegations in Champions League
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Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, thanks to a goal from Vinicius Junior. The match was overshadowed by claims of a racist slur directed at the Brazilian forward, leading to a 10-minute stoppage. UEFA has launched an investigation into the incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.
In a dominant UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg victory over Manchester City on March 12, 2026, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior matched Cristiano Ronaldo's all-time club record for assists in the competition. Federico Valverde's hat trick secured the win at the Bernabéu, with Vinicius providing a key assist. Valverde was later named the Champions League Player of the Week.
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FIFA is exploring a potential 'Vinicius Law' to sanction players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents, following an alleged racist incident involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during a Champions League play-off against Benfica. The Brazilian forward accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of abuse in the February 17 match in Lisbon, which paused play for 10 minutes. Prestianni denies the allegation, and an investigation continues.