@dailymailsport: Real Madrid's Champions League match away to Benfica descended into chaos after Vinicius Jr was allegedly racially abused and hit by a water bottle. The Brazilian had just scored the opening - and ultimately winning - goal of the game before being booked by referee Francois Letexier for his celebration which seemingly antagonised the home crowd. When walking back to the centre circle with his Madrid team-mates, the 25-year-old was incensed by something said allegedly to him on the pitch. Vinicius appeared to direct his ire towards Argentinian Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, who held his shirt over his mouth while speaking to the Madrid star after his goal. The match was then halted by Letexier, who made a crossed arms gesture to signal reported racial abuse after a conversation with Vinicius, before ugly scenes were sparked inside the Estadio de Luz. A Benfica coach was shown a red card as tensions spilled over, though it is unclear what for, before former Madrid manager and Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was seen speaking to Vinicius on the pitch. The Brazilian sat in the away dugout while the match was paused for 10 minutes, as members of both teams' coaching staff and players spilled out onto the pitch. 🎥 instagram/jaimeherreero #championsleague #realmadrid #ucl #vinijr #benfica

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Tuesday 17 February 2026 22:13:25 GMT