Actual Madrid’s win towards Benfica to succeed in the Champions League final 16 was a “victory for everyone who stands against racism”, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni says.
Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni through the first leg, through 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, which 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 facet 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 think there are more important things than this match, than football,” stated Tchouameni, who scored Actual’s first-half equaliser.
“Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do.
“I feel they made the best resolution by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match.
“Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us.”
Actual Madrid and England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold stated Vinicius had been his traditional self earlier than the fixture, “very chilled” and “very relaxed”.
“He didn’t need to score to send a message or show his mentality,” stated the previous Liverpool participant.
“He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone because he’s shown time and time again how good he is.
“He steps up once we want him probably the most. He is aware of his high quality and what he brings to the workforce.”
