Vinicius Jnr dances with joy in fitting end to toxic Benfica tie

It was the first time that the Real Madrid forward has scored in both legs of a knockout tie. His timing was excellent as was his strength of character with Trent Alexander-Arnold saying: “What happened last week has happened. I don’t want to say it’s in the past because I don’t want to downplay how big an issue it is and what actually happened. But our focus was getting through, that’s all that mattered to us. It was about winning the game, let our football do the talking.

“It was not so much he needed to score to send a message or show his mentality. We know what he’s like. He doesn’t need to prove anything because he has shown it time and time again how good he is. He steps up when we need him most.” He did indeed.

Real have players injured, and the likes of Jude Bellingham made their way to the dugout for the final whistle, but there is little for Manchester City to fear if they draw the 15-time winners on Friday.

It means José Mourinho and Benfica are out which, given the disgraceful way they reacted after Gianluca Prestianni stood accused of racially abusing Vinícius in the aftermath of the goal in Lisbon, also felt appropriate.

Appallingly Mourinho had suggested that Vinícius, who has been a regular victim of racism, had somehow incited the crowd as he celebrated after scoring. So, he brought what allegedly happened upon himself, José?

Benfica then ludicrously declared there was a “defamation campaign” against their player who suggested he had not uttered anything racist, saying he had used an “anti-gay slur” and the whole, disgraceful episode continued.

It meant there was even more attention on this high-profile encounter and it did seem to affect a depleted Real until Vinícius’s goal.

Benfica had chances but their exit means that Mourinho has lost his last 10 Champions League knockout ties – an unwanted record that is unmatched in the competition. But he got what he deserved.