Real Madrid's week was a mix of triumph and setback. They advanced to the Champions League round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica, according to multiple reports, winning the second leg 2-1 after coming from 1-0 down. Aurelien Tchouameni scored the equalizer in that match. However, their La Liga title hopes suffered a blow as they fell eight points behind Barcelona, as reported by major media. In the Madrid derby, they beat Atletico Madrid 3-2, with Vinicius Jr scoring twice, including the winner, but Federico Valverde was sent off with a red card.
The racial abuse incident involving Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni overshadowed the Champions League tie. Vinicius Jr alleged he was racially abused by Prestianni during the first leg, according to major media. Prestianni was handed a one-match ban for the alleged abuse. Before the second leg, a banner with the words 'no to racism' was displayed. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said in a press conference: "I think there are more important things than this match, than football. Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match. Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us." The status of the racial abuse investigation remains unclear, and it is unknown whether Prestianni will face further disciplinary action beyond the one-match ban.
I think there are more important things than this match, than football. Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do. I think they made the right decision by not letting the boy [Prestianni] play this match. Like I said, there are things more important than football and this is a victory for all of us.
Trent Alexander-Arnold faced criticism from Spanish media for his performance against Benfica in the Champions League, according to major media. Reports described his marking as nonexistent and noted he was repeatedly outplayed by Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup, though some outlets argued he covered well defensively and made a decisive interception. He was subsequently benched for the derby because he arrived late to a training session, as reported by major media. It is unclear how long his benching will last. In a press conference, Alexander-Arnold said of Vinicius Jr: "He didn't need to score to send a message or show his mentality. He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone because he's shown time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him the most. He knows his quality and what he brings to the team."
Kylian Mbappe missed the second leg against Benfica due to a knee injury and is set for some time out, according to major media. The exact nature and severity of the injury have not been disclosed. Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa said in a press conference: "After yesterday's session, we talked with the doctors, I spoke with him, and we felt the best thing was for him to stop, to recover 100%, and to come back in top shape, confident and without any discomfort for everything that's coming, which is obviously very important. I hope that it's not a very serious injury."
[I reacted] with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it.
In the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig defeated Union Berlin 3-1, as reported by major media. Marie-Louise Eta, the first female coach in the Bundesliga, suffered her second defeat in two games in charge. The specific social media post that led to sexism allegations against RB Leipzig regarding Eta remains unknown.
In La Liga, Real Betis held Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw after Héctor Bellerín scored a stoppage-time equalizer, according to major media. According to The Guardian - Football, Bellerín described the goal: "In situations like this, there's not much to think about. I'm not one for shooting from distance; I look for the cross. Amidst all the legs, it went in." He also said: "I think we were in control for most of the match and deserved more than just a point. They're a brilliant team, but we had plenty of chances."
After yesterday's session, we talked with the doctors, I spoke with him, and we felt the best thing was for him to stop, to recover 100%, and to come back in top shape, confident and without any discomfort for everything that's coming, which is obviously very important. I hope that it's not a very serious injury.
In the Primeira Liga, Benfica won 2-1 over Sporting, with Andreas Schjelderup scoring a penalty and Rafa Silva scoring the winner in stoppage time, according to major media. Benfica moved four points behind Porto in the league standings.