Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes on Tuesday after Vinicius Jr alleged he was subjected to racist abuse by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The incident occurred after Vinicius scored the opening goal and celebrated in front of home fans, receiving a yellow card.

Prestianni reportedly pulled his shirt over his mouth and made a comment, prompting Vinicius to alert referee Francois Letexier, who activated FIFA’s anti-racism protocol. Play resumed after discussions, with Real holding on for a 1-0 win. Prestianni denied the allegations on Instagram, claiming “regrettably [he] misunderstood what he thought he heard.” Benfica coach Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius provoked abuse with his celebration, a comment criticised by pundits. Fans threw objects at Vinicius late in stoppage time.

Key Points:

The incident highlights persistent racism in football despite FIFA protocols and punishments.
It raises questions about player safety and the adequacy of anti-racism measures.
Vinicius faces ongoing trauma, while authorities must investigate and sanction appropriately.
This signals that racism remains deeply embedded in football culture.
The timing, with Mourinho’s comments, adds controversy to victim-blaming narratives.

Vinicius’s allegation triggered FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, but the incident and subsequent comments underscore football’s continuing struggle with racial abuse.

Sources: Sky Sports, UEFA

Victor Osimhen provided two assists as Galatasaray demolished Juventus 5-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff at RAMS Park on Tuesday night. Gabriel Sara opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but Juventus responded with two goals from Teun Koopmeiners. Noah Lang equalised four minutes after the break before Davidson Sanchez restored Galatasaray’s lead on the hour mark.

The hosts capitalised after Juan Cabal was sent off in the 67th minute, with Osimhen assisting Lang and Sacha Boey for the final two goals to complete the 5-2 rout. The Nigerian striker’s dominant performance comes days after he revealed his toxic exit from Napoli. The return leg will be played in Turin next Wednesday.

Key Points:

Osimhen’s two assists demonstrate his playmaking ability alongside goalscoring threat.
The emphatic victory puts Galatasaray in commanding position to reach Champions League last 16.
Osimhen continues scintillating form, while Juventus face monumental comeback task.
This signals Galatasaray’s intent on the European stage with Osimhen as catalyst.
The timing, after his Napoli revelations, adds narrative weight to his performance.

Osimhen’s two assists powered Galatasaray to a 5-2 demolition of Juventus, giving the Turkish side a massive advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Turin.

Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, UEFA