Tension is mounting in the Spanish capital ahead of the Champions League return leg between Real Madrid and Benfica Lisbon. However, the main topic of debate is not sporting tactics, but accusations of racism directed at the visiting player, Gianluca Prestianni, and the controversial statements of Jose Mourinho. The atmosphere has been further soured by official apologies from Los Blancos to China following defender Dean Huijsen's unfortunate behavior on social media.

Racism Conflict

Courtois and Arbeloa condemned Prestianni for abuse against Vinicius and criticized Mourinho for downplaying it.

Diplomatic Apology

Real Madrid officially apologized to China for Dean Huijsen's publication, which was deemed highly distasteful and xenophobic.

Mourinho's Strategy

The Portuguese is isolating the team from Madrid media, preparing Benfica's squad for an extremely hostile atmosphere in the stands.

Ahead of the scheduled Wednesday return match in the Champions League, media attention has focused on a series of off-pitch events. During a press conference, Thibaut Courtois and coach Álvaro Arbeloa defended Vinicius Júnior, who became the target of abuse from Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. Courtois expressed deep disappointment with the stance of Jose Mourinho, accusing him of trying to relativize racist attacks. According to Real's goalkeeper, attempts to justify the abuse by pointing to the Brazilian's goal celebrations are unacceptable and harmful. At the same time, Real Madrid had to face an image crisis in the Asian market. Young defender Dean Huijsen shared a post online deemed racist towards Chinese people, forcing the club to issue an official apology statement. The player also published a video expressing remorse. This incident coincided with growing animosity from Madrid fans towards Benfica supporters, further fueled by reports about the controversial past of the referee assigned to officiate the match. Relations between Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho have remained complex since his departure from the club in 2013; although the Portuguese brought the club the coveted domestic league title, his tenure was marked by deep divisions in the dressing room and numerous conflicts with the media. From a sporting perspective, Mourinho, now Benfica's manager, has devised a special plan aimed at protecting his players from a hostile reception at the Bernabéu. The Portuguese coach, known for his penchant for psychological games, is avoiding direct confrontations with journalists, which is interpreted as an attempt to divert attention from the scandal involving Prestianni. On the pitch, the situation is equally tense, as Real must overturn a deficit from a difficult match in Lisbon, while also dealing with internal squad problems and public pressure on ethical issues. „Si para decirle eso no se tapa la boca, imaginad lo que le dice cuando se la tapa.” (If he says that without covering his mouth, imagine what he says when he does cover it.) — Thibaut Courtois „Nada de lo que hizo Vinicius justifica el acto de racismo que sufrió.” (Nothing that Vinicius did justifies the act of racism he suffered.) — Álvaro Arbeloa

Mentioned People

  • Thibaut Courtois — Real Madrid goalkeeper, who sharply criticized Jose Mourinho's stance.
  • Jose Mourinho — Benfica manager, returning to the stadium of his former employer.
  • Vinicius Júnior — Victim of racist attacks, key attacking player for Los Blancos.