The Benfica boss incited that the Real Madrid star brought on racist abuse with his celebrations
Jose Mourinho has admitted it has been difficult to cope with the fallout from “every aspect” of Benfica’s defeat to Real Madrid.
Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg in Lisbon was decided by a single goal from Vinicius Junior, but the match was overshadowed by an alleged incident involving Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni.
The game was paused for 10 minutes after Vinicius claimed a racist slur had been directed at him following his celebration.
UEFA has since opened an investigation into the allegations, which Prestianni denies. Benfica have publicly backed the 20-year-old and believe he is being subjected to a “smear campaign.”
Mourinho, who was sent off during the contest, has also faced criticism for remarks made in his post-match interview, where he appeared to suggest Vinicius had provoked the crowd with his celebration.
Television pundits and former players have questioned that stance, while the Portuguese coach said after the match that he “didn’t know” who was telling the truth.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the episode, Mourinho admitted it has taken an emotional and mental toll.
“The game was truly demanding, in every aspect,” he said.
“Until the 50th minute, it was a game of maximum intensity, both physically and tactically, requiring the concentration needed to play a game of that level.
“But I also have to acknowledge that from the 50th minute until now – and this won’t end our conversation – it hasn’t been easy to manage emotionally everything that has happened and continues to happen.”
During the stoppage, Mourinho spoke with both Vinicius and Prestianni on the pitch after the referee initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Prestianni will not feature in Saturday’s league fixture against AFS, serving a one-match suspension, and Mourinho is eager for his squad to refocus on their domestic objectives.
“There’s a game tomorrow, an important game for our ambitions and dreams,” he said. “Winning is fundamental. We have to focus and be at our highest level.”
