Real Madrid secured a crucial 1-0 first-leg advantage against Benfica in their Champions League play-offs clash at Estadio Da Luz, with Vinicius Júnior scoring the decisive goal. However, the match was marred by an alleged racism incident involving Vinicius and Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, leading to the activation of an anti-racism protocol and a lengthy stoppage in play.

The first half saw Real Madrid dominating possession and creating chances, with Kylian Mbappé notably failing to convert several opportunities. The breakthrough finally came in the 50th minute when Vinicius Júnior, receiving a pass from Mbappé on the left flank, skillfully cut inside and curled a brilliant right-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the box, leaving Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin with no chance.

Immediately following his spectacular goal, Vinicius celebrated in front of the Benfica fans at the corner flag. This celebration, which some perceived as a taunt, incited a strong reaction from the crowd, who began whistling, cursing, and throwing objects onto the pitch. Vinicius was subsequently shown a yellow card for excessive celebration. Amidst the rising tension, an on-pitch fracas broke out, and the game was halted for approximately ten minutes.

During this disruption, Vinicius charged at French referee Francois Letexier, pointing to Prestianni and seemingly reporting a racist incident. The club's anti-racism protocol was initiated. A replay from the broadcaster reportedly showed Prestianni covering his mouth with his jersey while facing Vinicius, allegedly uttering an insult. According to Marca, the 20-year-old Prestianni was accused of calling Vinicius a 'Monkey,' an insult widely recognized for its overt racist intentions. Both Vinicius and Prestianni resumed the match after the stoppage.

For the remainder of the game, Benfica struggled to mount sustained pressure or test Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois significantly. Real Madrid effectively managed the game, controlling possession and defending resolutely to maintain their slender lead. Benfica's Prestianni was eventually substituted off in the 81st minute for Dodi Lukebakio. The match also saw Real Madrid's coach, Jose Mourinho, receiving a second yellow card late in the game for dissent, leading to his expulsion from the dugout and forcing him to watch the end of the match from the stands.

The 0-1 victory gives Real Madrid a significant, albeit narrow, advantage heading into the second leg of the Champions League play-offs, though the alleged racist incident remains a prominent talking point.