Benfica fans clash with Spanish police before Real Madrid match

Things got violent outside the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Benfica on Wednesday night

Benfica supporters clashed with Spanish police in the build-up to their side’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid. Things got violent in the Spanish capital as footage released online showed Benfica fans clashing with riot police just hours before kick-off.

In one clip, supporters can be seen being forced back by police, but some fans find themselves on the floor and fighting with police. Other videos showed police challenging the fans on horseback, and it has also been claimed some fans were left requiring medical treatment.

When it came to the game, Vinicius Jr scored as Real secured their place in the last-16 with a 3-1 aggregate win. The build-up to the match was dominated by the fallout after the forward had alleged he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni shortly after scoring the only goal in the first-leg.

Real fans held up banners with messages of support for Vinicius before kick-off at the Bernabeu. And as the players took to the field, two forceful messages – “No to racism” and “Respect” – were read out.

UEFA had imposed a provisional sanction on Prestianni on Monday, ruling him out of the tie, although the Argentinian winger had travelled to Madrid as part of the Benfica squad. The Primeira Liga club had appealed against the decision to ban Prestianni, but UEFA dismissed the Portuguese club’s case on Wednesday afternoon.

READ MORE: Real Madrid star leaves pitch on a stretcher and in neck brace after horror clashREAD MORE: Benfica discover Gianluca Prestianni appeal verdict ahead of Real Madrid rematch

“Mr Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible,” a UEFA statement read.

And a large sections of the away fans booed Vinicius Jr when he was on the ball during the game on Wednesday night. Rafa Silva had given Benfica the lead, but Aurelien Tchouameni equalised two minutes later.

And with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, the Brazil international continued his excellent recent form with his sixth goal in five games to secure his side’s passage into the last-16.

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“It had to be that man Vinicius,” Joe Cole said on TNT Sports after the game. “He was brilliant over both legs, his finish was superb.

“Real need those players back and they need them back quick. They’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Real will face either Manchester City or Sporting in the last 16. The draw takes place on Friday morning.

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