José Mourinho moved swiftly to shield Benfica’s reputation following the storm that engulfed their Champions League playoff first-leg defeat to Real Madrid, insisting the Portuguese giants should not be branded racist amid allegations raised by Vinicius Junior.
Madrid’s 1-0 victory was secured by a moment of brilliance from the Brazilian winger, whose stunning strike silenced the Estádio da Luz but inflamed tensions in equal measure.
Vinicius’ celebration drew jeers from the home support and earned him a booking before a confrontation with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni further heightened tempers.
The situation escalated when Vinicius reported alleged racial abuse to the referee, prompting a 10-minute suspension in accordance with UEFA protocol.
Mourinho, who was later dismissed from the touchline, offered a measured yet pointed response in his post-match remarks.
“These talents are able to do these beautiful things, but unfortunately he was not just happy to score that astonishing goal,” he said. “When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way.”
While acknowledging the tension, Mourinho stopped short of endorsing either version of events.
“Yes (Vini incited the Benfica crowd). I believe so. Then the words that they exchange Gianluca Prestianni with Vinicius I want to be an independent,” he stated, emphasising his desire not to prejudge the matter.
The former Real Madrid manager also revealed his exchange with Vinicius during the suspension.
“I told him – when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back. When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person (Eusebio) in the history of this club was black,” Mourinho explained. He firmly rejected the notion that Benfica harbours racist values, adding: “This club, the last thing that it is, is racist.”
Mourinho suggested the recurring controversies surrounding Vinicius warrant broader reflection.
“There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. A stadium where Vinicius plays something happens, always,” he said.
Despite the drama, the Portuguese coach lamented how the spectacle overshadowed what he described as “a good 50 minutes of football” watched by millions worldwide, before Madrid’s decisive intervention settled the tie’s opening chapter.
