""The game was truly demanding, in every aspect,""
""Until the 50th minute, it was a game of maximum intensity, both physically and tactically, requiring the concentration needed to play a game of that level. But I also have to acknowledge that from the 50th minute until now -- and this won't end our conversation -- it hasn't been easy to manage emotionally everything that has happened and continues to happen.""
José Mourinho admitted coping with the fallout from Benfica's defeat to Real Madrid has been emotionally difficult. Allegations say Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist slur at Real forward Vinícius Júnior after Vinícius's goal; Prestianni denies the accusation. The Champions League playoff in Lisbon was paused for ten minutes while UEFA's anti-racism protocol was applied, and UEFA opened an investigation. Mourinho was sent off and faced criticism for post-match remarks suggesting Vinícius may have provoked abuse. Mourinho spoke with both players during the stoppage and said he "didn't know" who was telling the truth. Some TV pundits criticised Mourinho, and ex-referee Mark Clattenburg later apologised for his comments.
Read at ESPN.com
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