Even after one of the most controversial matches in the Champions League - the 0-1 draw between Benfica and Real Madrid - the discussions haven't stopped. The match itself was decided by a single goal on the field, but tense episodes within 90 minutes, especially the conflict where the game was suspended for a while, divided the fans.
As a reminder, during the match, Vinícius Junior appealed to the referees, claiming he was insulted by the opposing player, Gianluca Prestiani. Following this incident, the game was temporarily suspended according to protocol requirements, further fueling the controversy surrounding the situation.
Former Paraguay national team goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert also commented on the incident. He openly sided with Prestiani and focused his main objection on Vinicius's behavior on the field. According to Chilavert, in some cases, it is Vinicius who initiates provocative actions, and then the conflict escalates again. He explained this thought by saying that "this is also visible in the frames."
The former goalkeeper also highlighted another point: Real Madrid has many players of different nationalities and backgrounds, but the constant tension surrounding the same player raises questions, he said. At the same time, Chilavert added that in earlier periods of football, psychological conflicts on the field were stronger, "sharper," and today, with the increase in cameras and microphones, each episode quickly turns into a big discussion. In his opinion, the football atmosphere has changed, and every signal on the field has become "bigger."
"I am united with Prestianni. Vinicius is the first to insult others - this is also evident in the videos. 90% of Real Madrid players are black. Why don't they have problems, and why does Vinicius always have problems with everyone?
Football is a field where men play. We used to say different things to each other. Since the increase in microphones and cameras, football has taken on a different character," Chilavert said.
Most importantly, this conflict did not remain at the level of ordinary talk. UEFA has officially launched an investigation into the incident. Now the main intrigue is this: what conclusion will the investigation lead to, and how will this episode in the dispute affect subsequent decisions, possible disciplinary measures?
One thing is clear: in the Champions League, along with the result on the field, character and emotion are also becoming decisive factors. And this is both joy and excitement for fans.
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