Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa pledged total solidarity with Vinícius Júnior following a 1-0 win marred by alleged racism and a post-match tunnel brawl with Benfica’s president.
Tensions between Real Madrid and Benfica escalated into a post-match brawl in the tunnel involving Madrid media staff and President Rui Costa.
The altercation began when Costa physically attempted to stop club employee Cesar Nanclares from recording reactions to the game’s racist incident.
Witnesses reported that bystanders had to separate the pair as neither party backed down during the heated confrontation at the Estádio da Luz.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa reaffirmed Real Madrid’s absolute support for Vinícius Júnior, demanding “zero tolerance” for the alleged racial abuse.
Arbeloa dismissed José Mourinho’s criticisms of the player’s celebration, insisting the focus must remain on the slur itself.
He told the press, “We ride together, we die together, and when something like this happens, we are always by his side. We will always fight together.”