The UEFA Champion's League between Real Madrid and Benfica had been halted after chaos was sparked among both sets of players as a red card was shown.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was involved after an incident Vinicius Júnior sparked angry scenes. The Real Madrid star appeared to have some words said to him by an opposition player.
What was said is currently unknown but Vinicius was incensed by the Benfica player, sparking both sets of players to get involved. Mourinho appeared to try calm the situation while having words with Vinicius.
The game was delayed for around ten minutes as Vinicius appeared to sit on the Real Madrid bench while both teams were getting ready to kick off the game again.
SL Benfica's Argentine forward #25 Gianluca Prestianni argues with Real Madrid's Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior during the UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off first leg football match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on February 17, 2026. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images)
Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni appeared to argue with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The incident came just after Vinicius scored an outstanding goal to give Real Madrid the lead. The Brazilian celebrated his goal near the corner flag near Benfica's fans,
Vinicius reportedly antagonised supporters with his celebration and the referee booked him. Scenes turned to chaos as he then reported to referee that words have been said to him, speculated to be racist abuse. However, this has not been confirmed.
Mourinho was seen as peacemaker by speaking with Real Madrid players and staff, but Vinicius furiously sat in the dugout and appeared to refuse to come back on the pitch.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 17: Referee Francois Letexier shows a red card to a member of Benfica staff during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio do SL Benfica on February 17, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Referee Francois Letexier shows a red card during the chaotic scenes (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
During the clash between both benches, a member of Benfica's coaching staff appeared to have been sent off by he referee.
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