The UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid faced significant interruptions due to an alleged racist incident involving Vinicius Junior. After scoring a goal early in the second half, Vinicius' exuberant celebration reportedly upset several Benfica players, leading to a series of exchanges on the field. His celebration, perceived as arrogant, resulted in him receiving a yellow card, which escalated tensions between the teams.

In a notable moment, Vinicius Junior confronted referee Francois Letexier, pointing accusations towards Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni. The referee's signal to halt the match indicated suspicions of racist behavior, prompting an extended stoppage. During this time, discussions evolved not only on the field but also involved Benfica’s coach, José Mourinho, further highlighting the tensions surrounding the incident.

After a prolonged break, the match resumed without any further disciplinary actions taken. This incident has attracted significant media attention, reflecting ongoing concerns about racism in football and raising questions about player conduct and the appropriate responses to such occurrences during matches.