Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a spirited 2-1 comeback victory over Benfica on Wednesday, but the post-match talk was dominated by a powerful message of defiance following the racist abuse that marred the first leg.
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni insisted that the 3-1 aggregate win represented “a victory for everyone who stands against racism” after allegations that star forward Vinícius Jr was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during the first encounter, an act that led to a one-match ban for the Argentine youngster.
“I think there are more important things than this match, than football,” the Frenchman stated. “Vinícius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match. Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us.”
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu was one of solidarity as home supporters displayed a prominent banner reading “no to racism” in Spanish before the action commenced. Tchouameni drew his side level with a vital equaliser, before Vinícius Jr proved once again why he is the face of Madrid’s attack, netting the decisive second goal in the 80th minute to ensure Los Blancos progressed.
The Brazilian international’s celebration—a familiar dance near the corner flag—was a carbon copy of his first-leg celebration, serving as a defiant response to his detractors. Social media was quickly flooded with a post from the forward simply stating “the dance goes on,” a phrase that has become a rallying cry for the player and his supporters globally.
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold praised his teammate’s mental fortitude, revealing that Vinícius had remained “very chilled” and “very relaxed” throughout the tense week.
“He didn’t need to score to send a message or show his mentality. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone because he’s shown time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him the most. He knows his quality and what he brings to the team,” Alexander-Arnold explained.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa expressed personal satisfaction at seeing Vinícius find the back of the net. “[I reacted] with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it,” Arbeloa told the press after the final whistle.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois shared that joy, emphasising that the dancing celebrations are a sign of Madrid’s dominance. “I’m happy that Vini’s dancing, still dancing, because it means he’s scoring goals,” the Belgian shot-stopper added.
Real Madrid now await their fate in the next round, with a potential clash against either Sporting CP or Manchester City on the horizon. The Spanish giants advanced to the last 16 following their aggregate victory.
