Actual Madrid’s win in opposition to Benfica to succeed in the Champions League final 16 was a “victory for everybody who stands in opposition to racism”, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni says.
Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in the course of the first leg, during which the Actual ahead scored the sport’s solely objective.
Prestianni – who has denied racially abusing the Brazilian – was subsequently handed a one-match ban, which means he missed Wednesday’s return leg.
Help was proven for Vinicius by the house followers as a banner with the phrases “no to racism” in Spanish was displayed within the stands earlier than kick-off.
Vinicius was once more on the scoresheet, netting Actual Madrid’s second objective because the Spanish facet got here from 1-0 down on the evening to win 2-1 and guide their place within the subsequent spherical with a 3-1 combination victory.
“I believe there are extra essential issues than this match, than soccer,” mentioned Tchouameni, who scored Actual’s first-half equaliser.
“Vinicius retains his confidence and he retains centered on what he must do.
“I believe they made the suitable resolution by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match.
“Like I mentioned, there are issues extra essential than soccer and it is a victory for all of us.”
Actual Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold mentioned Vinicius had been his ordinary self earlier than the fixture, “very chilled” and “very relaxed”.
“He did not want to attain to ship a message or present his mentality,” mentioned the previous Liverpool participant.
“He would not have to show something to anybody as a result of he is proven time and time once more how good he’s.
“He steps up after we want him probably the most. He is aware of his high quality and what he brings to the workforce.”
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