Mourinho Sent Off as Real Madrid Edge Benfica in Champions League Playoff

LISBON — Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, a result that feels markedly different from their recent 4-2 league defeat against the Portuguese side. This time, there were no late heroics from Benfica’s goalkeeper, and no celebratory embrace between manager José Mourinho and a ball boy. Instead, Madrid returns to the Bernabéu with a deserved advantage, while Mourinho faces the prospect of watching the second leg from the stands after being sent off.

A Different Madrid, A Different Outcome

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa noted a significant shift in his team’s approach. “We saw a totally different Real Madrid,” he stated after the match. Madrid learned from their previous humbling defeat, adopting a more controlled and compact formation. The team lined up in a 4-4-2, with Edward Camavinga and Federico Valverde providing defensive support to the fullbacks.

Vinícius Júnior’s Decisive Strike and Subsequent Controversy

The match’s decisive moment came in the 50th minute with a stunning goal from Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian curled a shot over Anatoliy Trubin and into the top corner, marking his third consecutive goal in as many appearances. However, the goal was quickly overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse. Following his celebration, Vinícius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him, leading to a 10-minute stoppage as UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was invoked.

The incident sparked outrage, with Aurélien Tchouaméni stating, “This can’t happen,” and Kylian Mbappé declaring Prestianni “did not deserve to play in the Champions League again.” Arbeloa indicated the team would have supported Vinícius if he had wanted to leave the pitch.

Mourinho’s Frustration Boils Over

The night ended on a sour note for José Mourinho, who was sent off late in the second half for protesting a referee’s decision. He also criticized Vinícius Júnior’s goal celebration after the match. This means Mourinho will not be present on the bench for the second leg at the Bernabéu. He had previously overseen a 4-2 victory for Benfica against Real Madrid in January, a result that exposed vulnerabilities in the Spanish side.

Looking Ahead to the Second Leg

Real Madrid now enter the second leg as favorites to advance to the last 16. As Mourinho himself acknowledged, “After the goal, the game ended.” The incident involving Vinícius Júnior cast a shadow over the match, but Madrid’s performance suggests they have addressed the issues that plagued them in their previous encounter with Benfica.