Real Madrid hosts Benfica this Wednesday for the return leg of the Champions League knockout stage, just a week after significant racial tensions erupted during the first leg in Lisbon. Vinicius Jr. accused Benfica player Prestianni of racism, leading to heightened emotions surrounding the matchup. Having won the first leg 0-1 in an intense environment thanks to a stunning goal from Vinicius, Real Madrid must secure a win to avoid a disastrous end to their season, particularly given their struggles in recent months.

The stakes are incredibly high for the Spanish giants as they seek to avoid a potential disaster of being eliminated by Benfica, which would exacerbate the challenges already facing the team this season. The absence of Kylian Mbappé, who is sidelined with a knee injury, only adds to the pressure on Real Madrid to perform. Their recent form has been inconsistent, and failing to qualify for the next round of the Champions League would further darken the outlook for the team, their fans, and the city of Madrid.

On the other hand, Benfica looks to capitalize on Real’s vulnerabilities, especially in the light of their recent match performance and the ongoing controversies. With Prestianni suspended due to his involvement in the racism scandal during the first leg, Benfica will need to rally without one of their players. The return match promises to be highly charged, both on and off the pitch, as the two teams navigate through the tensions that have marred their recent encounters.