The story of Real Madrid and Benfica’s fight in Lisbon is becoming increasingly tense as the days pass.
If the on-field turmoil and Gianluca Prestianni’s racist abuse of Vinicius Jr. weren’t enough, Jose Mourinho fueled the fire after the game with some scathing remarks regarding the refereeing and Vinicius.
Benfica subsequently issued a statement defending Prestianni and saying that Vinicius was lying about the abuse, a stance that did not go over well in Madrid or around the world.
The newest trigger
According to Fabrizio Romano in a recent update, Benfica has taken another move against Real Madrid, this time over another event that occurred that night.
The Portuguese club has filed an official complaint with UEFA against Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde for his clash with Samuel Dahl in the 82nd minute of the game.
While both players were battling for control near the sidelines, Valverde looked to strike Dahl, and Benfica believed that swinging his arm so fiercely deserved a harsher punishment.
The Portuguese club believes it is an act of violent misbehavior and has filed a report detailing how Valverde obviously struck Dahl to free himself, alleging that it warranted a red card. However, VAR did not even review it.
The outcome of the appeal remains to be seen, although Valverde’s participation in the second leg is unlikely to be jeopardised. There may be a sanction imposed on the referee or VAR officials.
Needless to say, the stage is set for an exciting and high-tension second leg next week, with both teams coming out fire.
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