‘You Don’t Have The Right’ – Nasri Defends Vinicius, Slams Mourinho After UCL Row

Former Arsenal midfielder, Samir Nasri, has launched a scathing attack on Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese tactician’s criticism of Vinicius Junior for celebrating his winning goal during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash.

Naija News reports that the drama unfolded at the Estadio da Luz, where Real Madrid edged Benfica in a heated knockout play-off first-leg encounter.

Vinicius opened the scoring five minutes into the second half with a sublime curling effort that stunned the home crowd in the Portuguese capital.

After finding the net, the Brazilian winger celebrated near the corner flag, proudly acknowledging the moment. However, Mourinho, who now manages Benfica, appeared displeased with the manner of the celebration, suggesting it agitated the home supporters.

Shortly after the goal and subsequent celebration, tensions escalated when Benfica’s Argentine youngster, Gianluca Prestianni, allegedly directed a racist remark at Vinicius. The incident forced the referee to halt the game for about 10 minutes.

Mourinho: “Just Celebrate and Walk Back”

Speaking to Amazon Prime via The Guardian after the match, Mourinho revealed that he had advised Vinicius to tone down his celebration.

“I told him (Vinicius): ‘When you score a goal like that, you just celebrate and walk back,’” Mourinho said.

He added, “But (Vinícius and Prestianni) said something else. But I don’t believe in one or the other. I want to be independent.”

Despite acknowledging the exchange between the two players, Mourinho maintained a neutral stance, insisting he did not want to take sides.

Nasri Fires Back

Nasri, however, was quick to defend Vinicius, accusing Mourinho of hypocrisy and reminding him of his own animated touchline celebrations during his managerial career.

Referencing Mourinho’s iconic run down the touchline when his Porto side knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League at Old Trafford nearly two decades ago, Nasri said the manager had no moral authority to criticise a player’s goal celebration.

According to Trivela via Madrid Xtra, Nasri said: “Vinicius is being whistled. He scores a really good goal and gets to celebrate. Mourinho ran laps around a pitch. Once, he slid on his knees for 20 meters. He thought he was Thierry Henry as he celebrated. You [Mourinho] don’t have the right to say that.”

Nasri’s comments referenced Mourinho’s famous sprint along the touchline at Old Trafford in 2004, when Porto stunned Manchester United with a late winner, a celebration that has since become one of the most iconic in Champions League history.

Naija News reports that Vinicius’ strike ultimately proved decisive as Real Madrid secured a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg.

The two sides will meet again at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Wednesday, February 25, where the tie will be decided.

With tensions already settling, the second leg promises to deliver another explosive chapter in what is fast becoming a fiercely contested European showdown.