The Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz descended into chaos on Tuesday night (February 17, 2026). The match was temporarily suspended following a wave of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior, triggering a full implementation of UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
The Goal and the Outbreak of Tension
The crisis erupted in the 50th minute when Vinícius Júnior scored a sensational solo goal, weaving through the defense before rifling a shot past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
- The Celebration: As the Brazilian winger celebrated near the corner flag, a section of the home supporters erupted in monkey chants and racial slurs.
- The Confrontation: Vinícius became embroiled in a heated argument with Benfica fans and players, notably Gianluca Prestianni. In a controversial move, referee François Letexier initially showed Vinícius a yellow card for “provocation.”
Vinícius Jr. Targeted by Racism as Real Madrid vs. Benfica Halted
The situation escalated as Real Madrid players, led by Antonio Rüdiger and Kylian Mbappé, rallied around their teammate. After confirming the severity of the discriminatory abuse, Letexier took immediate action:
- Match Halted: Play was stopped as the referee informed stadium security and the UEFA delegate.
- Tunnel Retreat: Following UEFA’s Step 2 protocol, the referee ordered both teams to the dressing rooms.
- Managerial Fury: Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa was seen in a fiery exchange with the match observer, demanding absolute protection for his players and refusing to resume play until the environment was safe.
VAR and Technical Analysis
While the match was paused, analysts and “Archivo VAR” reviewed the footage. It was confirmed that while the yellow card for Vinícius stood (for his reaction to the crowd), the primary focus shifted to the potential sanctions against Benfica.
- Potential Penalties: UEFA could impose a heavy fine, a partial or full stadium closure for future matches, or even award the game as a forfeit (3-0) to Real Madrid depending on the final delegate report.
A Night of Mixed Emotions
Vinícius’ goal was a masterpiece, but it was overshadowed by the return of a dark cloud over European football. The solidarity shown by the Madrid squad was absolute, with Mbappé reportedly telling the referee, “We will not play if the abuse continues.”
