Real Madrid sporting director Álvaro Arbeloa said the alleged racist abuse of Vinícius Júnior in the Champions League playoff against Benfica can be a 'turning point' in combating racism in football. The incident occurred during Tuesday's match at the Estádio da Luz, when Vinícius told the referee he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni after scoring the only goal in the 50th minute.

UEFA has launched an investigation into the incident, with Madrid providing a dossier of evidence to European football's governing body. Benfica and Prestianni have denied the allegations. Arbeloa emphasized the opportunity to ensure such incidents never happen again, stating, 'It has no place in our sport or in society.' The return leg at the Bernabéu is scheduled for Wednesday, with a place in the Champions League round of 16 at stake.

Arbeloa declined to comment on recent statements from Benfica coach José Mourinho and Bayern Munich's Vincent Kompany regarding Vinícius. Meanwhile, forward Kylian Mbappé's knee injury showed improvement, though he wasn't fully recovered. Madrid enters Saturday's LaLiga match against Osasuna two points clear at the top of the table after Barcelona's loss to Girona.