Overview
- Aurélien Tchouaméni scored the equaliser, earned Man of the Match and dedicated the result to everyone who opposes racism.
- Vinícius Júnior sealed the victory with Madrid’s second goal and later posted “The dance continues” alongside a “no to racism” banner image.
- UEFA kept Prestianni out of the return leg under a provisional suspension while investigating alleged discriminatory conduct, and Benfica’s appeal was rejected.
- Real Madrid expelled a club member before kickoff for a Nazi salute and issued a statement condemning hate and incitement.
- Post-match, players urged improvement in consistency, with Thibaut Courtois critiquing the team’s tempo and Álvaro Arbeloa noting Kylian Mbappé is resting a knee problem until fully fit.