Benfica does not give in in the case of “Prestianni” » Appeal to UEFA's decision, the player is coming to Madrid!
Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 08:59 / Updated Tuesday, February 24, 2026 09:01
Although UEFA suspended Gianluca Prestianni for one stage, provisionally, Benfica insists that the player make the move, for the return with real madrid from this evening. The Portuguese lost the first leg, in Lisbon, 1-0.
Benfica is flexing its muscles in the battle with Real Madrid and UEFA. The Portuguese do not accept the continental forum's decision to provisionally suspend Gianluca Prestianni, one stage, following the incident with Vinicius junior in the leg-tour, and want to appeal.
Benfica Lisbon club press release
Sport Lisboa e Benfica has been informed of UEFA's decision to impose a one-match provisional ban on its player, Gianluca Prestianni, as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident that took place during the match against Real Madrid.
The club regrets being deprived of the player while the case is still under investigation and will appeal this decision to UEFA, even though it is unlikely to have any practical effect on the second leg of the Champions League play-offs.
Sport Lisboa e Benfica also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism or discrimination, values that are part of its historical identity and are reflected in its daily actions, in its global community, in the work of the Benfica Foundation and in important figures from the club's history, such as Eusebio
According to the Spanish daily Marca, pending a quick resolution of the appeal, the multiple champions of Portugal intend to take the Argentinian player away from Madridso he can play on Wednesday if his suspension is lifted.
UEFA has suspended Gianluca Prestianni even though the player insists he did not racially offend Vinicius jr
Immediately after scoring Real Madrid's winning goal in the first leg, Vinicius accused Gianluca Prestianni of racially abusing him, calling him “monkey!”after covering his mouth with his T-shirt.
Referee Letexier stopped the match for 10 minutes and the Argentinian insisted that under no circumstances did he say such a thing or use any other racially charged language towards “Vini”. Later, he also assured coach Jose Mourinho and teammates of his innocence.
For UEFA, on the other hand, it was not enoughproof that, after opening the ongoing investigation, he already suspended Prestianni for the return from the “Santiago Bernabeu”.
