Real Madrid's Champions League knockout phase play-off tie against Benfica was temporarily halted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The match, held at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, was stopped in the 52nd minute after Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse.
The incident unfolded shortly after Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal for Real Madrid, celebrating in front of Benfica supporters. He was then seen in a heated exchange with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who covered his mouth while speaking. Vinicius Junior subsequently informed French referee François Letexier that Prestianni had allegedly directed a racial slur towards him, leading to the activation of UEFA's anti-racism protocol. The game resumed after an approximate 10-minute delay, with Vinicius Junior later posting on social media about "cowards" who "need to put their shirt over their mouths".
