Jose Mourinho, Benfica's coach, spoke frankly after Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior claimed he was racially abused by his team’s players.
The aftermath of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League playoff first leg last night saw Real Madrid narrowly defeat Benfica 1-0 away.
However, the match drama began when Vinicius scored in the 50th minute and celebrated provocatively, angering Benfica fans. He then reported to the referee that Benfica player Gianluca Prestiani had racially abused him by calling him a "monkey."
Nevertheless, Benfica’s coach Jose Mourinho said Prestiani denied any racial abuse toward Vinicius and criticized the Brazilian forward for provoking Benfica players and fans with a disrespectful goal celebration.
"When you score a goal like that, you should celebrate with respect—just be happy and walk back. I think something is off because this happens everywhere Vinicius plays," Mourinho said.
"While he was arguing about the racial abuse, I told him that the greatest figure in this club's history (Eusebio) was black. So our club would never allow something like this," Mourinho added.