Matheus Reis backs Vinícius Júnior in Benfica v Real Madrid racism row | OneFootball

Matheus Reis backs Vinícius Júnior in Benfica v Real Madrid racism row | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: OffsAIde

OffsAIde

·19 February 2026

Matheus Reis backs Vinícius Júnior in Benfica v Real Madrid racism row

Article image:Matheus Reis backs Vinícius Júnior in Benfica v Real Madrid racism row

Matheus Reis has publicly backed Vinícius Júnior after Benfica v Real Madrid, as the Brazilian accused Gianluca Prestianni of racism during the Champions League tie.

According to Glorioso 1904, Reis, who left Sporting for CSKA Moscow a few weeks ago, replied to Vinícius’s post from the match. On Instagram he wrote: "Baila, Vini! Fogo nos racistas!", alongside an image of the winger dancing at the corner flag after scoring the winner.


OneFootball Videos


That celebration formed part of the incident that sparked the row.

During his Sporting stint, the Brazilian was involved in controversy. In last season’s Taça de Portugal final against Benfica, he stepped on Andrea Belotti’s head, an incident missed on the day but later punished with a five-match ban.

Benfica great Luisão also condemned the Argentine forward’s act against Vinícius Júnior, calling it racist and saying he was ashamed.

Benfica trail Real Madrid by one goal in the Champions League play-off. The margin is narrow, so the tie remains open before the second leg at the Bernabéu on 25 February.

View publisher imprint