Benfica 0 – 1 Real: Mbappé denounces racist remarks aimed at Vinicius

The European evening was marked by a heated controversy. Kylian Mbappé said he heard racist insults directed at his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior by a Benfica player during the UEFA Champions League playoff.

The match was briefly halted by referee François Letexier after an altercation between Vinicius and Gianluca Prestianni. A few moments earlier, the Brazilian winger had just scored the match’s only goal with a brilliant strike. According to Mbappé, the Lisbon-based player from Benfica would have uttered racist remarks while covering his mouth with his jersey.

At the final whistle, the French striker did not mince his words: « Benfica’s No. 25 – I don’t want to say his name, because he doesn’t deserve it. He pulled up his shirt and said five times : “Vinícius is a monkey”. I heard it, and Benfica players heard it too. » These are serious accusations that could lead to disciplinary action from UEFA.