Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni described his side’s 2-1 victory over Benfica as a win for “everyone who is against racism” after Los Blancos secured their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Madrid advanced following a 1-0 first-leg success and Wednesday’s hard-fought triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the tie was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse aimed at Vinícius Júnior during the opening encounter. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA for the second leg while the incident remains under investigation, with the Portuguese club’s appeal against the ban rejected earlier in the day.

“We didn’t play our best match of the season, that’s for sure,” Tchouaméni told reporters. “But I think there are things more important than this match, and more important than football.”

Vinícius underlined the message by scoring Madrid’s second goal on the night, prompting Tchouaméni to call the result “a victory for everyone who is against racism.”

After the match, the Brazilian forward posted a photo on social media of a large banner inside the Bernabéu reading “no to racism,” alongside the caption: “The dance continues.”

The evening also saw Madrid take action against discriminatory behaviour in their own stands. The club confirmed that a supporter was ejected before kick-off for performing a Nazi salute after being identified by stadium security.

“Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society,” the club said in a statement.

Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa expressed particular delight at seeing Vinícius on the scoresheet.

“(I reacted) with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him — he deserves it,” Arbeloa said. “Without Kylian Mbappé I think it’s even more important, and I am very happy for him.”

Mbappé was absent as he continues his recovery from a knee issue. Arbeloa revealed the decision was made after discussions with medical staff.

“After yesterday’s session, we talked with the doctors, I spoke with him, and we felt the best thing was for him to stop, to recover 100 percent, and to come back in top shape, confident and without any discomfort for everything that’s coming,” he explained.

Asked to clarify the nature of the problem, Arbeloa added: “I think we can call it an injury, but it seems, and I hope, that it’s not a very serious injury — nothing major — and that he’ll be able to come back in a few days or weeks.”

For Madrid, progression in Europe was accompanied by a broader message — one that extended beyond the result itself and into football’s ongoing fight against racism.