After all it needed to be him. Eight days on from claims he was racially abused in Lisbon, Vinicius Jr scored the purpose that ended Benfica’s problem and despatched Actual Madrid by way of to the final 16 of the Champions League.
With alleged perpetrator Gianluca Prestianni absent on account of a provisional UEFA ban – the Argentine vehemently denies any wrongdoing – the Brazilian was denied a head-to-head along with his fellow South American.
However there was nonetheless an edge to the event and, though it was a far-from-comfortable night for the 15-time champions, it was becoming that Vinicius Jr had the ultimate say. His composed end after 81 minutes was adopted by the corner-flag dance that sparked the rumpus on the Estadio da Luz.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho was not current to witness it with reviews suggesting he had opted to observe the sport from the staff bus somewhat than within the stands after being banned from the touchline on account of his pink card final week.
He would have been impressed by his staff’s show, despite the fact that it was finally in useless.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
