‘Victory for everyone who stands against racism’: Real Madrid stand with Vinicius in victory

Racism once again cast a shadow over European football — but on Wednesday night at Real Madrid, the response was defiance, unity and victory.

Real Madrid’s progression to the Champions League last 16 came amid strong messages against racial abuse, after Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior alleged he was racially insulted during the first leg of their tie against Benfica.

For many African and Black footballers who continue to endure discrimination across Europe, the match carried weight beyond the result. Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni described the 2-1 second-leg win — and 3-1 aggregate triumph — as “a victory for everyone who stands against racism”.

Vinicius had scored the only goal in the first leg, after which he alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The Argentine player denied the accusation but was later handed a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the return fixture in Madrid.

Before kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu, home supporters unfurled a banner reading “No al racismo” — “No to racism” — in a clear show of solidarity with Vinicius and all players affected by discrimination.

On the pitch, Real Madrid responded with resilience. Benfica took the lead on the night, briefly unsettling the hosts, but Tchouameni levelled in the first half to steady proceedings.

As the match wore on, it was Vinicius who once again provided the decisive moment, scoring in the 80th minute to give Real breathing space and effectively seal their passage to the next round.

After finding the net, the Brazilian produced his now-familiar dance celebration — the same one he performed in Lisbon — a symbolic act of joy and resistance in the face of abuse. Later, he posted on social media: “The dance goes on.”

Tchouameni, who has also spoken previously about racism in football, emphasised that the issue transcends sport.

“I think there are more important things than this match, than football,” he said. “Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us.”

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold added that Vinicius had remained composed in the build-up to the match.

“He was very chilled, very relaxed,” he said. “He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone because he’s shown time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him the most.”

Real manager Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius not only for his goal but for his character.

“He deserves it,” Arbeloa said. “I reacted with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him.”

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois echoed the sentiment: “I’m happy that Vini’s dancing, still dancing, because it means he’s scoring goals.”

The victory ensured Real Madrid’s progress in Europe’s elite competition, but for many observers — particularly across Africa, where countless players have faced similar abuse — the evening symbolised something deeper.

Racism in football remains a persistent problem, with Black players often targeted both inside stadiums and online. Yet Vinicius’ response — continuing to perform, celebrate and speak out — has become emblematic of a wider struggle for dignity and equality in the sport.

The match also saw the absence of Kylian Mbappé through injury, while former Real manager José Mourinho made a return to the Bernabéu, albeit unable to take his place in the dugout due to suspension. But the dominant narrative of the night centred on solidarity and resilience.

Real Madrid now move into the last 16, their ambitions intact. Yet beyond tactics and trophies, the club’s message was clear: the fight against racism is larger than any single game.

For Vinicius and many others, the dance continues — not just in celebration of goals, but in defiance of prejudice.