Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 11:56 / Updated Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11:57
The first public reaction of those from UEFA, following the incidents in Benfica – Real Madrid 0-1the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 play-offs.
After scoring the only goal on “Da Luz”, Vinicius accused that he was the victim of racial slurs from one of the opponents, the Argentinian Gianluca Prestianni.
The Brazilian went to the referee, he stopped the game, according to the protocol, and the match was resumed about 10 minutes later, with Vinicius agreeing to continue the game.
Prestianni claims that there is no question of having addressed racist words to the opponent. The Benfica player covered his mouth when addressing Vinicius, but the Brazilian is convinced that what he heard is “mono”, “monkey”, used here with racist connotations.
UEFA, the first public position after the scandal in Benfica – Real Madrid
UEFA will seek to shed light on this case. In a first public reaction on the subject, broadcast by Sky Sports, the organizing forum of the Champions League let it be understood that the situation will reach the table of the Disciplinary Commission.
“The official reports of last night's matches are under review. In cases where irregularities are reported, proceedings are opened and if these lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, they are announced on UEFA's disciplinary website.
We have no further information to provide and no further comment to make on this matter at this time,” UEFA's statement read.
Prestianni: “Vinicius misinterpreted”
Substituted in the 81st minute of the match, Prestianni claims that he did not address racial insults to Vinicius:
“I want to make it clear that at no time did I say racist insults to the player Vinicius Junior, who unfortunately misinterpreted what he thought he heard. I have never been racist to anyone and I regret the threats I have received from Real Madrid players.”
Vinicius: “Racists are, above all, cowards”
After the match, a position on the subject also approached Vinicius.
“Racists are, first and foremost, cowards. They have to put their shirts over their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have, with them, the protection of others who, in theory, have an obligation to punish.
Nothing that happened today is new in my life and that of my family. I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why. On the other hand, just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.
I don't like appearing in situations like this, especially after a big win, when the headlines should be about Real Madrid, but it's necessary,” the Brazilian wrote.
