Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has hailed Vinicius Jr’s bravery ahead of tomorrow night’s return clash with Benfica.
Vinicius was the central figure in the first leg of the Champions League play-off last week, scoring the only goal and then accusing Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni of using a racist slur against him. Prestianni cannot play at the Santiago Bernabeu after UEFA handed him a provisional one-game ban.
The Argentine, who has strenuously denied any wrongdoing, has travelled to the Spanish capital as part of the Benfica party. It is a somewhat provocative move from Benfica and will do little to calm the tensions between the clubs.
It is not the first time Vinicius has been at the centre of race allegations and Arbeloa says he is full of admiration for the way the Brazilian handles himself.
He said: “Vini has always shown a lot of courage and character. Anyone who was in his situation… I don’t know how he would react. He always reacts in a brave way because he is a fighter and will continue proving that he is one of the best players on the planet.”
Vinicius scored the only goal of the first leg and will again be a key player in the return.
“He’s very good, with a lot of desire,” added Arbeloa. “He’s motivated for this type of game. Since I arrived he has been a differential player. He is a leader and we need him to enjoy his football again tomorrow.”
Courtois hopes case will inspire change
Madrid’s veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says it is on UEFA to act against racism.
The Belgian said: “We are facing a big moment to end these things… we know what Vinicius has told us. It has happened in many moments in soccer and we have to end that now. UEFA decides what it has to decide.”
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho cannot be on the bench tomorrow after being sent-off in the first game. His post-match remarks also came under fire after he suggested Vinicius Jr had inflamed the situation with his exuberant celebrations after his brilliant goal.
Courtois said: ”Mourinho is Mourinho and as a coach you will always defend your club. But it bothers me that Vinicius’ celebration is used.
“It has happened and we cannot justify an alleged act of racism, for a player celebrating.”
Benfica back Prestianni
Benfica continue to defend Prestianni with president Rui Costa saying today: “Obviously we all talked. It is evident that it is a situation for everyone and it is evident that Prestianni is not racist because if he were he would not play for Benfica.
“Although it is a game situation, it is also a human situation. Benfica would never have racist players in its squad. Prestianni is not racist and if he were I would be the first to take a position.”