MADRID, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said winger Vinicius Jr is "very eager and very motivated" as the Spanish champions prepare to host Benfica in Wednesday's Champions League play-off second leg.
Madrid carries a 1-0 advantage from last week's first leg in Lisbon, in a match overshadowed by allegations of a racist insult aimed at Vinicius by Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni after the Brazilian scored the game's only goal. Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA while an investigation is ongoing.
Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who led Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, after the Portuguese was sent off in the first leg for protesting a separate refereeing decision.
"This won't be the first time in Mourinho's career that he hasn't been able to sit in the dugout, and his teams have always performed," Arbeloa said on Tuesday. "I am expecting to see a great team tomorrow, with a few changes, and I hope it's a great game that Real Madrid wins."
Arbeloa welcomed Prestianni's provisional ban, calling it an opportunity to send a strong message. "We have an opportunity to strike a blow against racism," he said. "UEFA has always championed this fight and has the chance to make a difference."
On Vinicius, Arbeloa said the winger remains decisive. "He's been performing exceptionally well and has been a game-changer," he said.
Arbeloa was also asked about forward Kylian Mbappe, who has shown a slight dip in form amid reports of a knee issue. The coach did not deny a physical problem but said Mbappe would be available.
"He's ready to play tomorrow, which is the most important thing right now," Arbeloa said. "Defenders know he can decide a match with any action, and he's ready." ■
