Vinícius Júnior gives Real Madrid one-goal lead but game marred by alleged racist abuse | OneFootball

Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal of the game as Real Madrid earned a 1-0 lead in Lisbon in a game that was stopped due to an apparent racist remark by one of the Benfica players.

The last time these two faced off there was an unforgettable, thrilling drama with Anatoliy Trubin scoring that incredible stoppage-time goal. This game couldn't have been more different in a game filled with ugly scenes.

Benfica had started brightly in the first 10 minutes or so before Real Madrid started to slowly grow into the game. Indeed, the visitors had chances to take the lead but the two sides went into half-time goalless.

Five minutes into the second half the deadlock was broken with a real moment of quality. Kylian Mbappé set up Vinícius who cut inside and sent in a superb effort that Trubin could do nothing to keep it out.

It was a sublime goal but what this game will be remembered for is the immediate aftermath. Vini's celebration earned him a yellow card and it seemed to rile up the Benfica players. Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt as he said something to the Brazilian who then went straight to the referee who instigated the referee's racism protocol as the game came to a halt.

It was 10 minutes before referee François Letexier was able to restart the game with the Spanish side enjoying plenty of possession.

The home side did start to find a little bit of joy towards the end with José Mourinho being sent off after his protests against the referee when Vini brought down Richard Rios on the edge of the area and avoided a second yellow card.

The Madrid side held out for the final minutes though and took a one-goal advantage into the second half although the story of this game is not over yet.