Real Madrid News
UEFA punish Benfica after attack on Real Madrid star with strong sanctions
UEFA have taken disciplinary action against Portuguese side Benfica following incidents involving Vinicius Jr. during their UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The controversy comes from the Round of 16 first-leg encounter held at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on February 17 – a match that was overshadowed by unacceptable behaviour from sections of the home crowd.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has now delivered its verdict, imposing financial penalties and conditional sanctions on the Portuguese club.
What’s the fine?
As per Mundo Deportivo, Benfica have been fined €40,000 for what UEFA described as “unlawful chants and gestures” directed at Vinicius Jr. during the match.
The club has also been ordered to pay an additional €25,000 due to objects being thrown from the stands.
Furthermore, UEFA have introduced a suspended stadium sanction. This means a section of the Estadio da Luz, specifically 500 seats located in sections 10 and 11 of the south stand, has been ordered closed.
However, this closure will only be enforced if similar incidents occur within the next year, effectively placing Benfica under a one-year probation period.
There is more
Benfica assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado has also been handed a one-match suspension in UEFA competitions for what has been described as “unsporting conduct” during the same fixture.
The match itself was marred by disturbing scenes, with television footage appearing to show certain supporters making racist gestures following Real Madrid’s victory.
Benfica have already taken internal action, suspending five fans under investigation for behaviour of a racist nature.
Meanwhile, UEFA’s investigation is still ongoing regarding an alleged incident involving Gianluca Prestianni.
The winger is accused of directing a racist remark towards Vincius, which led to the match being temporarily halted for nearly 10 minutes after the Brazilian reported the incident to the referee.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
