Tag: Benfica

Chelsea boss Rosenior backs Vinicius after Benfica racism allegation and warns of heavy ban

Liam Rosenior
February 2026

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior publicly supported Vinicius Jr following alleged racial abuse in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica, saying anyone found guilty of racism should not be in football as an investigation continues into what was said. The controversy has intensified amid public reactions from high-profile figures and Benfica’s defence of their player. Reports say Prestianni could face a minimum 10-game ban if found guilty, while he has denied the allegation in a social media statement.

Clattenburg apologises for “clumsy” Vinicius commentary after Benfica racism allegation

Mark Clattenburg
February 2026

Mark Clattenburg apologised for “clumsy” analysis after suggesting Vinicius should have simply returned to position following his goal, during a match halted for 10 minutes under UEFA protocol after alleged racist abuse involving Prestianni. After Vinicius scored, an exchange with Prestianni at halfway led Vinicius to report the incident to referee Letexier and the match was paused. Clattenburg’s on-air remarks drew backlash, including criticism from Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend.

Vinicius accuses Prestianni of racial slur as Benfica clash halted under FIFA protocol

Vinicius Junior
February 2026

Vinicius Junior issued a statement alleging Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at him. The match was stopped for around 10 minutes after Vinicius reported the alleged abuse to referee Francois Letexier and FIFA’s racism protocol was activated. After scoring the winner and being booked for his celebration, Vinicius argued with Prestianni, then reported the alleged slur. Players briefly left the pitch during the protocol pause before play resumed. Vinicius later criticised the process as ineffective, while the CBF publicly backed him and reiterated that racism is a crime.

Mourinho denies Benfica racism claim after Vinicius incident triggers FIFA protocol in Lisbon

Jose Mourinho
February 2026

Jose Mourinho said Benfica “cannot be a racist club” after Vinicius Junior alleged abuse involving a Benfica player, prompting activation of FIFA’s racism protocol and a 10-minute stoppage. Mourinho also suggested Vinicius escalated the situation after scoring. Following Vinicius’ goal and celebration, an exchange with Prestianni led to protests and the protocol being initiated. Mourinho was later sent off for dissent, then defended Benfica post-match and argued incidents follow Vinicius across stadiums.

Mbappe fitness unclear ahead of Benfica Champions League playoff

Kylian Mbappe
February 2026

Real Madrid released an injury note on Mbappe before the Champions League playoff trip to Benfica, after he was an unused substitute versus Real Sociedad. The provided text does not include the medical conclusion, so his match availability is unclear here. The tie renews a recent Lisbon meeting that Benfica won 4-2, with Mbappe scoring both Real Madrid goals, including a late Trubin header that flipped the standings. Madrid play in Lisbon Tuesday and host the return leg next week, making fitness decisions urgent.

Real Madrid Sweat on Mbappé After Second Straight Missed Training Session

Kylian Mbappé
February 2026

Mbappé missed group training for a second day with recurring left-knee discomfort, creating doubt over his availability for Real Sociedad and concern ahead of Benfica. He worked in the gym away from the squad and did not join on-pitch tactical work. No official medical report was cited, but the continued absence close to matchday signals Real are managing the issue cautiously.

Mourinho Lined Up for Portugal Job After 2026 World Cup

Jose Mourinho
January 2026

Reports claim the federation expects to offer Mourinho the Portugal manager role after the World Cup. He is currently Benfica coach on a two-year deal, but the federation is said to view him as the next cycle’s headline appointment. The same report suggests Benfica would then need a successor, with Ruben Amorim floated as the obvious option due to his ties to the club and strong domestic reputation. Mourinho has publicly said international management is a goal, with Portugal his preferred first step.

De Zerbi “In Great Danger” After Marseille UCL Exit, Benatia Calls It “Shame”

Roberto De Zerbi
January 2026

De Zerbi is under major pressure after Marseille failed to reach the Champions League playoffs, losing heavily and missing out when Benfica grabbed the last qualifying spot on goal difference. Marseille were thrashed 3-0 by Brugge and had conceded six goals across two UCL games; De Zerbi apologised and called it a “very bad day,” while Benatia aimed his anger at the players, saying the performance should have consequences and describing it as shameful.

Trubin Scores 98th-Minute Equaliser to Push Benfica Into UCL Playoffs

Anatoliy Trubin
January 2026

Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2, with goalkeeper Trubin scoring a last-gasp header to secure a Champions League playoff spot as Madrid finished ninth and must play a February playoff. Benfica needed a win to stay in the top 24; Mourinho sent Trubin up for a late set-piece, he headed in, and Madrid ended with two late red cards as Benfica’s late swing decided qualification over rivals elsewhere.

Benfica Ultras Storm Training Ground and Confront Mourinho After Poor Run

Benfica fans
January 2026

Around 200 Benfica supporters entered the Seixal training base to protest results and demand answers, holding a tense meeting with Mourinho, Otamendi and Sabrosa as pressure mounts on the club’s season. Police attended and allowed entry after assurances of a peaceful protest. The group insisted on full access rather than a small delegation, then gathered on a training pitch for an hour-long discussion before leaving, following exits from cups and a league gap to leaders Porto.

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