UCL Playoffs Round-Up: Vinicius Strikes For Real Madrid Amid Alleged Racism; PSG Rally From Two Down

Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 07:20 IST

Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon as Vinicius allegedly faced racist abuse. PSG staged a 3-2 comeback against Monaco, Galatasaray thrashed Juventus 5-2, Dortmund beat Atalanta 2-0.

Real Madrid edged past Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon on Tuesday, but the first leg of their Champions League play-off was overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse aimed at Vinicius Junior.

The Brazilian winger scored the only goal early in the second half, rifling a superb strike into the top corner.

His celebration, a dance in front of the home supporters, earned him a booking and quickly escalated tensions inside the Estadio da Luz.

An exchange followed with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who pulled his shirt over his mouth and appeared to say something to Vinicius.

The Madrid forward immediately approached referee Francois Letexier, pointing at Prestianni and seemingly alleging he had been called “mono" — the Spanish word for monkey.

Play was halted for several minutes as officials dealt with the incident. When the game resumed, Vinicius was loudly jeered by sections of the home crowd.

Madrid had returned to Lisbon less than three weeks after a chaotic 4-2 defeat at the same venue, when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a remarkable late goal that sent Benfica into the knockouts and pushed Madrid into the play-offs. This time, however, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side held firm.

Benfica boss Jose Mourinho, facing his former club, was sent off late on for protesting too aggressively as he called for Vinicius to receive a second yellow card. He will miss the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The lengthy stoppage resulted in 12 minutes of added time, but Benfica could not find an equaliser.

“(What happened) is something that nobody likes, you have to ask the Benfica player what he said," Arbeloa told Movistar. “(Racism) is something we have to eradicate from the world of football and if the players don’t fix it then this is very complicated."

PSG seal dramatic comeback, Galatasaray run riot

Paris Saint-Germain staged a dramatic comeback to beat AS Monaco 3-2 after falling two goals behind. Folarin Balogun struck twice inside 18 minutes, while Vitinha missed a penalty and Ousmane Dembele limped off injured.

But Desire Doue transformed the game off the bench, scoring once and creating another for Achraf Hakimi before sealing victory in the 67th minute after Aleksandr Golovin had been sent off.

“He is an incredible player and a different player," said PSG coach Luis Enrique. “I am very pleased for him because he deserved it."

In Istanbul, Galatasaray stunned Juventus 5-2, with Noa Lang scoring twice in a pulsating encounter. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund beat Atalanta 2-0 to take control of their tie.

(with AFP inputs)

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