Aurelien Tchouameni: This Victory Belongs to All Who Oppose Racism

Tchouameni hails Real Madrid win as triumph over racism

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouaméni described his team's 2-1 victory over Benfica on Wednesday, which secured their spot in the Champions League last 16 - as a win “for everyone who stands against racism.”

"Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society...”

Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni hailed his team's 2-1 win over Benfica as a victory for everyone against racism, referencing the alleged racial abuse aimed at Vinicius Junior by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in the first leg. Tchouameni emphasized that there are more important things than football, and this win is a victory for all who stand against racism.

The match was played under the shadow of the incident, with a “no to racism” banner displayed at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius scored the winning goal, and Tchouameni believes the Brazilian's confidence and focus were key to the team's success. Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA, and an investigation is ongoing.

“We didn't play our best match of the season, that's for sure. But I think there are things more important than this match, and more important than football,” Tchouameni told reporters.

Vinicius Jr. scored the winner for Real Madrid, securing a 2-1 win over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Aurelien Tchouameni leveling the game earlier. Tchouameni described the win as “a victory for everyone who is against racism.”

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA for the game due to allegations of racial abuse towards Vinicius Jr. during the first leg. Benfica's appeal against the ban was rejected, meaning Prestianni missed the crucial second leg.

Vinicius Jr. took to social media to express his stance against racism, posting “The dance continues” alongside a photo of a “no to racism” banner at the Bernabeu. Meanwhile, Real Madrid announced they had ejected one of their own fans for performing a Nazi salute before the game.

“This (club) member was identified by the club's security staff moments after appearing on the (television) broadcast and was immediately expelled from the Santiago Bernabeu stadium,“ said Madrid in a statement.

"Real Madrid condemns this type of gesture and expression that incites violence and hatred in sports and society.”

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa expressed his happiness when Vinicius Jr. scored, stating that the Brazilian's goal was a “beautiful, fantastic goal” and emphasizing that nothing justifies racist behavior. Arbeloa praised Vinicius for his bravery and character, saying he's a fighter who always responds to adversity.

“(I reacted) with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it,” said Arbeloa.

“Without (Kylian) Mbappe I think it's even more important and I am very happy for him.”

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa stated that French superstar Kylian Mbappe will be out for a while, recovering from a knee injury. Mbappe has been playing with pain for a couple of months, but it's now time for him to rest and come back 100%.

Arbeloa mentioned that Mbappe's absence won't be a matter of days, but rather a bit longer, with reports suggesting at least 10 days. The club is prioritizing his recovery, and he might miss crucial games, including the upcoming La Liga match against Getafe and potentially the Champions League tie against Benfica.

🇫🇷✨ 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Aurélien Tchouaméni (26) has scored his FIRST ever goal in the UEFA Champions League! ✅ pic.twitter.com/WDdyu6erM8

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 25, 2026

“After yesterday's session, we talked with the doctors, I spoke with him, and we felt the best thing was for him to stop, to recover 100 percent, and to come back in top shape, confident and without any discomfort for everything that's coming, which is obviously very important,” Arbeloa told reporters after the match.

Asked if it was discomfort or an injury, he added: “I think we can call it an injury, but it seems, and I hope, that it's not a very serious injury, nothing major, and that he'll be able to come back in a few days or weeks.”