Real Madrid CF have submitted evidence to governing body UEFA following forward Vinicius Junior’s allegation that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racist slur at him during Tuesday’s 1-0 victory in Portugal, the Spanish club said on Thursday.

The Champions League play-off first-leg encounter was halted for 11 minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse. The incident occurred shortly after the Brazilian had scored five minutes into the second half to give Madrid the lead.

Prestianni denied the accusation, saying Vinicius had “misunderstood what he thinks he heard.” Benfica also expressed their support for the winger, while UEFA confirmed that an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate the matter.

“Real Madrid C.F. announces that today it has provided UEFA with all available evidence regarding the incidents that occurred on Tuesday,” the club said in a statement.

Madrid added that they were grateful for the backing Vinicius has received since the alleged incident.

“Real Madrid will continue to work, in collaboration with all institutions, to eradicate racism, violence and hatred in sport and in society,” the statement added.

Benfica are set to travel to Madrid for the second leg of the tie next Wednesday.