Vinicius Jr scored a spectacular goal and was subjected to racist abuse on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian winger's goal helped Real Madrid secure a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs.
What happened?
Vinicius Jr alleged that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni hurled racist abuse at him, prompting UEFA to trigger its anti-racism protocol.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was quick to speak out after the final whistle sounded, saying it was a disgrace to the sport and society.
Why it matters for Vinicius Jr
The incident marred the rest of Los Blancos’ victory, but Alexander-Arnold was proud of the team's reaction and how they got around Vinicius Jr.
Kylian Mbappé also backed Vinicius Jr, referring to Prestianni as "number 25" and corroborating Aurélien Tchouaméni's statement that the Argentine called their teammate a "monkey".
What comes next?
Vinicius Jr's goal could be the turning point for a team beginning to look like true silverware contenders, as they reclaimed the top spot in La Liga.
The victory only came in the first leg, and there's still plenty of football left to be played at the Bernabéu next week.
Mbappé took to social media and wrote, "BAILA Vini Jr and please never stop," in a show of support for his teammate.
Vinicius Jr's dancing at the corner flag started the chain of events at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday night, and he was inexplicably booked for the celebration.
The moment that could define Real Madrid's season had nothing to do with the alleged racism that occurred in Lisbon, but rather Vinicius Jr's spectacular goal.
Los Blancos struggled to find an answer to Benfica's low block in the first half, but Vinicius Jr's goal got them over the finish line.
A draw would not have been the worst result for Álvaro Arbeloa's men, but the victory was a much-needed boost to their momentum.
The team's reaction to the incident was a testament to their unity and support for Vinicius Jr, as they rallied around him in the face of adversity.
Vinicius Jr's goal was a reminder of his importance to the team, and his teammates were quick to show their support for him after the incident.
The incident will likely have repercussions, and UEFA will investigate the alleged racist abuse.
For now, Vinicius Jr and his teammates will focus on the next match, as they look to build on their momentum and secure a spot in the next round of the Champions League.
The support from his teammates and the football community will be crucial in helping Vinicius Jr move forward from the incident.
Vinicius Jr's goal and the team's reaction to the incident will be remembered as a defining moment in their season, as they look to overcome adversity and achieve success.
The football community will be watching closely to see how the incident is handled, and how Vinicius Jr and his teammates respond to the challenge ahead.
For Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid, the focus will be on the next match, and how they can build on their momentum to achieve success in the Champions League.