Arbeloa talks Vinicius, Prestianni, Guler, Tchouameni, Mbappe after Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off, but the result was overshadowed by a serious incident involving Vinicius Jr. and Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni. 

After the match, manager Alvaro Arbeloa faced the press and spoke at length about the situation, making it clear where he and the club stand.

“You have to ask the Benfica player what he said to Vinicius, and everyone in the world of football deserves to hear what he said. 

“There must be zero tolerance for racism. We cannot allow things like this to happen in 2026.”

The Madrid coach also revealed the message he gave to Vinicius during the match. 

Arbeloa made it clear that the club would fully support whatever decision the Brazilian forward wanted to make at that moment. 

“The only thing I said to him was that if he wanted to continue playing, we would be by his side, whatever decision he made. Always by his side. 

“We ride together, we die together, and when something like this happens, we are always by his side. We will always fight together, like today.”

More on the incident

Vinicius has complete backing of Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Notably, there was even the possibility that Vinicius could leave the pitch. 

Arbeloa explained that the referee did not hear the alleged insult and therefore could not take action, leaving the decision in the player’s hands. 

“The referee told me he didn’t hear anything and couldn’t do anything. 

“Whatever Vinicius had decided. We cannot tolerate this kind of behaviour. Of course, we would have stood by him.”

Arbeloa also addressed comments from Jose Mourinho, who had suggested that Vinicius’ celebration provoked the crowd. 

“I didn’t see Vini’s celebration. I did see the great goal. I think that when Jose finds out what happened and what his player said, he will be the first to not allow it. 

“Zero tolerance and very happy with the team. This is the Real Madrid we want to see.”

When asked about Vinicius’ condition after the incident, Arbeloa praised both his character and resilience. 

“He’s fine. The sad thing is that this isn’t the first time. Vini isn’t just a spectacular player. He’s also a guy who is loved by everyone. 

“When you meet him, you realise what a good person he is. He’s always had to overcome situations like this, and we’ll be by his side.”

On the specific allegation that the insult may have included the word “monkey,” Arbeloa made it clear that he trusts his player completely. 

“I believe what Vini says. Of course. I would never question Vini’s words.”

Focusing on the match

Turning back to the match itself, the coach admitted that the incident disrupted the flow of the game. 

“Yes, everything changed with that situation. We saw the Madrid we want to see, a very solid team that puts in a lot of effort. 

“I’m very happy with the difference compared to the game three weeks ago.”

Arbeloa also praised several individual performances, starting with Arda Guler, who played an important role in linking the attack. 

“Arda is a player with characteristics that help us a lot. He is capable of linking Vini with Kylian. He is special, different. 

“He is becoming very important and his growth benefits us. These games make him grow and I am very happy and proud to have a guy like him.”

Praising more Real Madrid players

Mourinho was not happy with Vinicius’ celebration. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Aurelien Tchouameni also received strong praise from the manager, who highlighted his recent form. 

“Spectacular, not just today. He’s been playing at a high level for several games since I arrived. We’re improving him a lot, getting him into the opposition’s area with the ball.”

The coach also pointed out the growing chemistry on the right flank between Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Valverde and Guler. 

“These are synergies that one tries to work on. Those three players on the right are doing very well. They complement each other and are doing a great job.”

Kylian Mbappe, meanwhile, was not at full fitness, but still featured. Arbeloa acknowledged the French star’s effort despite his condition. 

“He’s been out for many days. The discomfort in his knee prevents him from playing at 100%. But he’s the best in the world, and at 80%, he’s still the best.”

Finally, Arbeloa was asked about his conversation with Mourinho during the match. He clarified that his only concern was getting the game back underway, while maintaining the club’s support for Vinicius. 

“I wanted the game to resume. But we’re always on Vini’s side. There’s nothing else,” he concluded.

Source: AS