Actual Madrid secured a slender 1-0 victory over Benfica within the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off, however the consequence was overshadowed by a critical incident involving Vinicius Jr. and Benfica teenager Gianluca Prestianni.
, supervisor Alvaro Arbeloa confronted the press and spoke at size concerning the scenario, making it clear the place he and the membership stand.
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“It’s important to ask the Benfica participant what he stated to Vinicius, and everybody on the planet of soccer deserves to listen to what he stated.
“There have to be zero tolerance for racism. We can not permit issues like this to occur in 2026.”
The Madrid coach additionally revealed the message he gave to Vinicius through the match.
Arbeloa made it clear that the membership would absolutely help no matter resolution the Brazilian ahead needed to make at that second.
“The one factor I stated to him was that if he needed to proceed taking part in, we might be by his aspect, no matter resolution he made. At all times by his aspect.
“We journey collectively, we die collectively, and when one thing like this occurs, we’re at all times by his aspect. We’ll at all times battle collectively, like at the moment.”
Extra on the incident
Vinicius has full backing of Actual Madrid. (Picture by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
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Notably, there was even the likelihood that Vinicius may go away the pitch.
Arbeloa defined that the referee didn’t hear the alleged insult and due to this fact couldn’t take motion, leaving the choice within the participant’s palms.
“The referee advised me he didn’t hear something and couldn’t do something.
“No matter Vinicius had determined. We can not tolerate this type of behaviour. After all, we might have stood by him.”
Arbeloa additionally addressed feedback from Jose Mourinho, who had urged that Vinicius’ celebration provoked the group.
“I didn’t see Vini’s celebration. I did see the nice objective. I believe that when Jose finds out what occurred and what his participant stated, he would be the first to not permit it.
“Zero tolerance and really proud of the group. That is the Actual Madrid we wish to see.”
When requested about Vinicius’ situation after the incident, Arbeloa praised each his character and resilience.
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“He’s fantastic. The unhappy factor is that this isn’t the primary time. Vini isn’t only a spectacular participant. He’s additionally a man who’s cherished by everybody.
“While you meet him, you realise what a great particular person he’s. He’s at all times needed to overcome conditions like this, and we’ll be by his aspect.”
On the particular allegation that the insult might have included the phrase “monkey,” Arbeloa made it clear that he trusts his participant utterly.
“I consider what Vini says. After all. I might by no means query Vini’s phrases.”
Specializing in the match
Turning again to the match itself, the coach admitted that the incident disrupted the move of the sport.
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“Sure, every thing modified with that scenario. We noticed the Madrid we wish to see, a really stable group that places in a variety of effort.
“I’m very proud of the distinction in comparison with the sport three weeks in the past.”
Arbeloa additionally praised a number of particular person performances, beginning with Arda Guler, who performed an essential position in linking the assault.
“Arda is a participant with traits that assist us so much. He’s able to linking Vini with Kylian. He’s particular, totally different.
“He’s changing into crucial and his development advantages us. These video games make him develop and I’m very joyful and proud to have a man like him.”
Praising extra Actual Madrid gamers
Mourinho was not proud of Vinicius’ celebration. (Picture by Angel Martinez/Getty Photographs)
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Aurelien Tchouameni additionally acquired robust reward from the supervisor, who highlighted his current kind.
“Spectacular, not simply at the moment. He’s been taking part in at a excessive stage for a number of video games since I arrived. We’re enhancing him so much, getting him into the opposition’s space with the ball.”
The coach additionally identified the rising chemistry on the fitting flank between Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde and Guler.
“These are synergies that one tries to work on. These three gamers on the fitting are doing very properly. They complement one another and are doing an important job.”
Kylian Mbappe, in the meantime, was not at full health, however nonetheless featured. Arbeloa acknowledged the French star’s effort regardless of his situation.
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“He’s been out for a lot of days. The discomfort in his knee prevents him from taking part in at 100%. However he’s the perfect on the planet, and at 80%, he’s nonetheless the perfect.”
Lastly, Arbeloa was requested about his dialog with Mourinho through the match. He clarified that his solely concern was getting the sport again underway, whereas sustaining the membership’s help for Vinicius.
“I needed the sport to renew. However we’re at all times on Vini’s aspect. There’s nothing else,” he concluded.
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