"I think there are more important things than this match, than football. Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy play this match. Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us."
"He didn't need to score to send a message or show his mentality. 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. He knows his quality and what he brings to the team."
"Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during the first leg, in which the Real forward scored the game's only goal. Prestianni was subsequently handed a one-match ban, meaning he missed Wednesday's return leg. Support was shown for Vinicius by the home fans as a banner with the words 'no to racism' in Spanish was displayed in the stands before kick-off."
Real Madrid progressed to the Champions League last 16 after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica, winning the second leg 2-1. Vinicius Jr, who alleged racial abuse from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg, scored in both matches. Prestianni received a one-match ban and missed Wednesday's return leg. Real Madrid supporters displayed anti-racism banners in solidarity with Vinicius. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni emphasized the match's significance beyond football, calling it a victory against racism. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold praised Vinicius's composure and quality, noting he remained focused and confident throughout the fixture.
Read at www.bbc.com
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