Real Madrid victory is for ‘everyone who is against racism’: Aurelien Tchouameni
The Straits Times
The Frenchman was referring to the first leg of the knockout play-off tie which was marred by alleged racial abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. Read more at straitstimes.com.
MADRID – Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni said his team’s 2-1 win against Benfica on Feb 25 to reach the Champions League last 16 was a victory for “everyone who is against racism”.
The Frenchman was referring to the first leg of the knockout play-off tie, which Real won 1-0 last week, which was marred by alleged racial abuse aimed at Vinicius Jr by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
“We didn’t play our best match of the season, that’s for sure. But I think there are things more important than this match, and more important than football,” Tchouameni told reporters.
Vinicius scored Real’s second goal at the Santiago Bernabeu and Tchouameni said the result was a “victory for everyone who is against racism”. Tchouameni had earlier equalised two minutes after Rafa Silva gave Benfica a 14th-minute lead.
Prestianni was provisionally suspended by UEFA for the game while the incident is under investigation and Benfica had an appeal against his ban rejected earlier on Feb 25.
“The dance continues,” wrote Vinicius on social media afterwards, along with a photo of a big banner hung at the Bernabeu reading “no to racism”.
March 22 - The Oman Football Association said on Sunday it has appointed Moroccan Tarik Sektioui as coach of the national team, replacing Portuguese veteran Carlos Queiroz. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 22 - Former world number one Naomi Osaka said she is considering how best to balance her tennis schedule with motherhood after a 7-5 6-4 loss to Australia’s Talia Gibson in her opening match on Saturday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
SYDNEY, March 22 - Japan steamrollered their way through five matches to get to the Women's Asian Cup final but, according to coach Nils Nielsen, were forced to show their adaptability and character to get past Australia and seal the title on Saturday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
JOHANNESBURG, March 21 - American Bryson DeChambeau carded two eagles as he took a two-shot lead following the third round of the inaugural LIV Golf event in South Africa on Saturday, as home favourites Southern Guard led the team competition at Steyn City. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The former swimmer and ice hockey player will play in the 3x3.EXE Super Premier from March 28 to 29. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 21 - Real Madrid have been boosted by the return of midfielder Jude Bellingham from a hamstring injury ahead of Sunday's LaLiga derby against Atletico, and forward Kylian Mbappe is fully fit, manager Alvaro Arbeloa said on Saturday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 21 - Wimbledon will introduce video review technology this year that will allow players to challenge judgement calls made by the chair umpire, the Grand Slam's organisers said on Saturday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 21 - Striker Sardar Azmoun was omitted from the Iran squad announced for two World Cup warm-ups after Iranian media reports that he had been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The Gunners are aiming to win their first trophy in 6 years as they face Manchester City on March 22. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 20 - Britain's Jack Draper suffered a surprise defeat to American Reilly Opelka in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday, while Ethan Quinn claimed the biggest win of his career by upsetting 11th seed Casper Ruud. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 21 - Alisson will miss Brazil’s international friendlies against France and Croatia next week after the goalkeeper was ruled out with an injury, the Brazilian Football Federation said on Friday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
In 2025 she won the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit; becoming the first Singaporean golfer to do so. Read more at straitstimes.com.
March 20 - Jonathan Wheatley has departed as the Audi team principal for personal reasons, the Formula One team said on Friday, amid media reports linking him with a move to Aston Martin. Read more at straitstimes.com.