VINICIUS JR NETS WINNER AS MOURINHO SENT OFF IN INCIDENT-PACKED CLASH
Vinicius Junior scored a wonder goal but was also caught up in a moment of real controversy as Real Madrid took control of this UEFA Champions League play-off with a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg in Lisbon.
The visitors were hoping to banish memories of a 4-2 loss to The Eagles in the League Phase just 20 days earlier and they should have led at the interval with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius missing several chances.
The Brazilian then broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart with a sublime solo strike before chaos ensued that led to a near 10-minute delay.
The forward took a seat in the dugout in protest at what appeared to be alleged comments made in his direction following his celebrations, with the referee believed to have activated the anti-racism protocol.
It remains to be seen what will develop in the aftermath of this match, but a fiery contest culminated with Eagles boss Jose Mourinho being sent off for venting his frustration at the official.
The sides will now reconvene for the second leg at the Bernabeu on Wednesday February 25 with Los Blancos firmly in charge.
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WATCH NOW: MOURINHO GIVEN MARCHING ORDERS FOR RANT AT THE REFEREE
'He said too much, he kept on saying it' - Mourinho sent off after 'furious' tirade at referee
Video credit: TNT Sports
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VIDEO: VINICIUS JUNIOR'S STUNNER SEALS VICTORY FOR REAL MADRID
TNT Sports' Joe Cole: "His goal was genius. He lit up the game. There are certain players, and he's one of them... elite players in the world that can do things like that. It was a wonderful finish."
'Top drawer, top corner, top class' - Vinicius Jr scores a worldie for Madrid to break the deadlock
Video credit: TNT Sports
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THE ARBELOA EFFECT
You can watch and stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
90+13'
90+13'
FULL TIME
Benfica 0-1 Real Madrid.
Image credit: Getty Images
90+10'
90+10'
REAL MADRID CHANGE
Dani Carvajal on for Álvaro Carreras.
90+9'
90+9'
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Video credit: TNT Sports
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90+7'
90+7'
BENFICA APPLYING BELATED PRESSURE IN SEARCH OF THE EQUALISER
The home side know heading to the Bernabeu after a first-leg deficit will be a huge mountain to climb.
90+5'
90+5'
REAL MADRID CHANGE
Camavinga off, Pitarch on.
90+2'
90+2'
YELLOW CARD!
Sudakov booked for halting Vinicius Junior's attempt to burst down the wing.
90'
90'
STOPPAGE TIME
12 minutes added.
88'
88'
BENFICA ATTEMPT
Sidny Cabral's 25-yard free kick clips the wall and loops into the air, wrong-footing Courtois who is relieved to see the ball drop on to the top of the netting.
87'
87'
YELLOW CARD!
Mbappe booked for complaining to the official following the award of a free kick and his unwillingness to move away from the ball.
86'
86'
REAL MADRID CHANGE
Brahim Diaz on for Guler.
85'
85'
RED CARD!
Mourinho booked for his chatter and he continues with his frustrations and the card turns from yellow to red.
82'
82'
BENFICA ATTEMPT
Lukebakiol tries to make an instant impact but his burst onto the ball ends with an over-zealous 30-yard strike that flies way off target.
81'
81'
BENFICA CHANGE
Dodi Lukebakio on for Prestianni.
80'
80'
BENFICA CHANGE
Cabral on for Aursnes off.
79'
79'
YELLOW CARD!
Gianluca Prestianni is booked for simulation after throwing himself to the floor near the right byline after minimal contact from Camavinga.
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