Photo by Octavio Passos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Why Is Benfica vs. Real Madrid Paused? Everything That Happened

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 4:36 PM ET

Real Madrid are taking on Benfica in the first leg of the knockout phase playoffs of the Champions League. At halftime, the match finished 0-0, and early in the second half, Real Madrid took the lead.

In the 50th minute, Vinicius Junior scored the opener for Real Madrid with a curling shot that went past Anatoliy Trubin. The Brazilian star celebrated near the corner flag that caused anger among Benfica fans in the Estadio Da Luz.

Vinicius Junior was confronted by Benfica players for his celebration, and the Brazilian forward received a yellow card from the referee.

As the match was set to restart, Vinicius Junior ran towards the referee and walked off the pitch in anger and frustration. Cameras caught the moment of Vinicius Junior talking to the referee to complain about what Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni said to him.

Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio do SL Benfica on February 17, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni Incident

Vinicius Junior walked off the pitch with anger, and at first, it was alleged that he received racist chants directed at him from Benfica fans in the stadium.

Cameras and match commentators quickly observed and noticed a clip of Gianluca Prestianni covering his mouth with his jersey while shouting something towards Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Jr tells the referee and then José Mourinho that Gianluca Prestianni has racially abused him.

Vini said Prestianni racially insulted while covering his mouth with the shirt.@JosePadi_ pic.twitter.com/ffhgLgWB1P
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2026

The Brazilian forward quickly reacted after being near Prestianni and told the referee about the incident. Vinicius Junior went straight to the bench and refused to play.

️ Vinícius Júnior informed the referee that he was subjected to a racist insult by a SL Benfica player, Gianluca Prestianni.

According to Vinícius, the player directed the word “monkey” at him. pic.twitter.com/OrrLBwyKE8
— Speedline (@speedlinexx) February 17, 2026

Benfica's manager, Jose Mourinho, was seen telling Vinicius to play, and Real Madrid players were confronting Prestianni on the pitch. TYC Sports reports that Prestianni allegedly said 'mono' or 'monkey' to Vinicius Junior, which led the referee to make the "racism incident" gesture to stop the match.

Vinicius Junior returned to the pitch, and the match resumed.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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