Vinicius Jr has final say as Mourinho watches from the team bus
Of course it had to be him. Eight days on from claims he was racially abused in Lisbon, Vinicius Jr scored the goal that ended Benfica’s challenge and sent Real Madrid through to the last 16 of the Champions League.
With alleged perpetrator Gianluca Prestianni absent due to a provisional UEFA ban – the Argentine vehemently denies any wrongdoing – the Brazilian was denied a head-to-head with his fellow South American.
But there was still an edge to the occasion and, although it was a far-from-comfortable evening for the 15-time champions, it was fitting that Vinicius Jr had the final say. His composed finish was followed by the corner-flag dance that sparked the rumpus at the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was not present to witness it with reports suggesting he had opted to watch the game from the team bus rather than in the stands after being banned from the touchline due to his red card last week.
He would have been impressed by his team’s display, even though it was ultimately in vain.
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