Real Madrid match-winner Vinicius Junior labelled “cowards” those responsible after accusing Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him during Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win over Benfica in Lisbon.

The game was halted for more than 10 minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to French referee Francois Letexier, prompting the implementation of UEFA’s racism protocol. The complaint followed a heated confrontation between the Brazilian and Prestianni shortly after Vinicius had scored a stunning second-half winner.

“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts over their mouths to show how weak they are,” Vinicius wrote on Instagram, referencing Prestianni covering his mouth with his jersey during their exchange.

“But they have, at their side, the protection of others who, theoretically, are obligated to punish,” he added, after no immediate disciplinary action was taken against Benfica’s midfielder.

“Nothing that happened today should be tolerated in my life or my family’s. I don’t like to speak out in situations like this, especially after a big victory when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it’s necessary.”

Vinicius had just netted the decisive goal in the 50th minute when he celebrated in front of the home crowd, angering Benfica supporters and some players. After being booked for his celebrations, he informed Letexier that he had been called “mono” — the Spanish word for monkey — during the altercation.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho said Prestianni denied making any racist remark and criticised Vinicius’ celebration.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,” Mourinho said. “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium — where Vinicius plays, something happens, always.” Mourinho was later sent off for protesting that Vinicius should have received a second yellow card.

Real defender Trent Alexander-Arnold condemned the alleged abuse. “It’s disgusting. What’s happened tonight is a disgrace for football. It’s ruined the night for the team,” he said.

Forward Kylian Mbappe called for severe punishment if the allegations are proven. “We cannot accept there’s a player playing in Europe’s best competition and behaving like this,” the France captain said. “This guy doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League again.”

Real captain Federico Valverde praised Vinicius for his response. “I don’t know what he said, but all the teammates who were close by said he said something ugly,” Valverde said. “If you cover your mouth to say something, it’s because he’s saying something that’s not good. In the end, I’m proud of the teammates that defended Vini, proud of Vini who kept on going and played a spectacular game.”

Vinicius has previously been subjected to racist abuse in Spain. In June last year, four ultras linked to Atletico Madrid received suspended jail sentences for hanging a dummy of the Brazilian from a bridge in what police described as a hate crime. In May 2023, he confronted fans at Valencia CF’s Mestalla stadium after being racially abused.

Tuesday’s match was also marred by disorder as some Benfica supporters threw objects toward Real players during the goal celebrations. The incident sparked heated exchanges between the benches, with Letexier showing a red card to a member of the Real backroom staff.

After the delay, Real comfortably saw out the victory to take a narrow advantage into the second leg.