Mourinho’s Return to the Bernabéu Marred by Suspension and Racism Allegations

Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Benfica on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, was overshadowed by the return of former manager José Mourinho to the Santiago Bernabéu – a return made under demanding circumstances. Mourinho was forced to watch from the stands due to a suspension carried over from the first leg, while the tie itself was marred by allegations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.

Mourinho’s Suspension

The Portuguese coach received a red card during the first leg in Lisbon after vehemently protesting referee François Letexier’s decisions. Mourinho argued that Letexier was deliberately avoiding booking certain Real Madrid players, specifically mentioning Aurélien Tchouaméni, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen. As reported by Sports Illustrated, Mourinho stated he had spent 1,400 games on the bench and knew which players could and couldn’t be booked.

Racism Allegations Involving Vinicius Jr.

The match was further complicated by accusations of racist abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr. During the first leg. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been accused of racially abusing Vinicius Jr. After the Brazilian scored the game’s only goal. According to The Athletic, Mourinho himself addressed the situation, telling Vinicius Jr. That nobody at Benfica was capable of racism and suggesting the celebration provoked a reaction.

Mourinho stated, “I told him (Vinicius Jr) that when you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back.” He further added, “When he was arguing about racism, I told him that the biggest person in the history of this club is Black. This club, the last thing that it is, is racist. There is something wrong since every stadium where Vinicius plays, something happens. Always.”

Prestianni has denied the allegations, but has been provisionally suspended by UEFA while an investigation is underway. The Mirror reports the match was briefly stopped for ten minutes while Vinicius refused to play following the alleged incident.

Match Result: Real Madrid Advances

Despite the off-field controversies, the match on the pitch saw Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory, advancing in the Champions League competition. Rafa Silva scored for Benfica, but goals from Tchouameni and Vinícius Jr. Sealed the win for Real Madrid.

Other Champions League Results

Elsewhere in the Champions League on Wednesday, February 25, 2026:

• Galatasaray squandered a 5-2 lead against Juventus, losing 3-2 in a dramatic match.
• Atalanta overcame a two-goal deficit from the first leg to eliminate Borussia Dortmund 4-1.
• Paris Saint-Germain drew 2-2 with Monaco, but advanced due to their away goals advantage.

The Champions League draw will determine the next round of matchups, with potential clashes between English and German clubs, and the possibility of Real Madrid facing either Manchester City or Sporting.