Actual Madrid’s win in opposition to Benfica to achieve 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 through the first leg, by 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, that means he missed Wednesday’s return leg.
Assist 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 aspect got here from 1-0 down on the night time to win 2-1 and ebook their place within the subsequent spherical with a 3-1 combination victory.
“I believe there are extra vital issues than this match, than soccer,” stated Tchouameni, who scored Actual’s first-half equaliser.
“Vinicius retains his confidence and he retains targeted on what he must do.
“I believe they made the proper choice by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match.
“Like I stated, there are issues extra vital than soccer and it is a victory for all of us.”
Actual Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold stated Vinicius had been his normal self earlier than the fixture, “very chilled” and “very relaxed”.
“He did not want to attain to ship a message or present his mentality,” stated the previous Liverpool participant.
“He does 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 once we want him essentially the most. He is aware of his high quality and what he brings to the workforce.”
