The Union of European Football Associations 'UEFA' announced a penalty against Real Madrid due to racist behavior exhibited by some of its fans during the match against Portuguese club Benfica, in the second leg of the Round of 16 playoff of the UEFA Champions League.

Real Madrid succeeded in qualifying for the Round of 16 of the continental championship after defeating Benfica with an aggregate score of 3-1 over the two legs.

The UEFA explained that the penalty included imposing a financial fine on the Spanish club, along with a decision to close part of the stands at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

UEFA indicated that the closure decision includes the southern stand of the stadium, where it was decided to close 500 adjacent seats in the lower southern stand during one European match held at Real Madrid's home.

However, the UEFA confirmed that the implementation of the closure decision has been suspended, meaning it will only be enforced if the offense is repeated by the club's fans, which is a usual measure among the sanctions imposed by UEFA.

The UEFA statement read: 'Real Madrid has been fined 15,000 euros and ordered to partially close its stadium, 'i.e., 500 adjacent seats in the lower southern stand,' for one upcoming match in the European club competition in which Real Madrid plays at home, due to the racist behavior of its fans.'

Real Madrid is scheduled to meet Manchester City next Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.