Real Madrid’s recent Champions League match against Benfica resulted in a €15,000 fine and a suspended partial stadium shutdown.
The punishment comes after it was discovered that a fan at the Santiago Bernabeu was making a Nazi salute during the game.
This comes after a number of contentious situations during the second leg of their Champions League play-off match against Benfica.
On February 25, 2026, a supporter was captured on camera making a Nazi salute in the Santiago Bernabeu stands.
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This prompted action from the governing body’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
The European giants won 2-1 that evening, but the actions of a small percentage of supporters have overshadowed the outcome.
A €15,000 fine and the closure of 500 seats in the lower south stand are part of the verdict; however, the latter is suspended for a year.
CEDB Releases A Statement
In an official statement confirming the sanctions, the CEDB noted: “To fine Real Madrid C.F. €15,000 and to order the partial closure of Real Madrid C.F. stadium (i.e. 500 adjacent seats of the lower south stand), during the next one (1) UEFA club competition match in which Real Madrid C.F. will play as host club, for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters. Said stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
The incident fuelled a tie that was already dominated by accusations of racial abuse. Vinicius Jr. stated that Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica made mockery of him during the first leg in Lisbon.
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