Gianluca Prestianni, provisionally suspended by UEFA for an alleged racial slur against Vinicius Jr, has joined the Benfica squad in Madrid for the Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid. The Argentine denies any wrongdoing, and Benfica officials have voiced strong support for his innocence. Tensions remain high following the first leg, where Vinicius scored the winner amid the controversy.
The buildup to the Champions League play-off return leg at Santiago Bernabeu on February 25, 2026, centers on the racism allegation from the first leg in Lisbon on February 18. Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1-0, with Vinicius Jr scoring the decisive goal and later reporting that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at him. The match was paused for about 10 minutes as Vinicius alerted referee Francois Letexier, prompting Real Madrid players to briefly leave the pitch before resuming play.
UEFA issued Prestianni a provisional one-match ban under Article 14 of its Disciplinary Regulations for discriminatory behavior, barring him from the field but allowing stadium access. He traveled with the Benfica squad to Madrid and can enter the dressing room, raising the possibility of an encounter with Vinicius in the tunnel area. Prestianni is permitted to watch from the stands but not the bench. Benfica has not detailed his plans, but his presence signals their belief in his innocence.
Benfica president Rui Costa defended Prestianni ahead of the flight, stating: “It is evident that Prestianni is not racist because if he were he would not play for Benfica. Benfica would never have racist players in its squad. Prestianni is not racist and if he were I would be the first to take action.”
Real Madrid figures have rallied behind Vinicius, who has faced prior racism claims. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois rejected suggestions from Benfica coach Jose Mourinho that Vinicius's goal celebration provoked the incident, saying: “We can’t justify a suspected act of racism because of a celebration. I think we have to be less stupid as a society.” Courtois added that the team was ready for stronger action if needed and called for UEFA to address crowd gestures reported during the match.
Interim Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Vinicius's resilience: “Vini has always shown a lot of courage and character... He is a fighter and will continue proving that he is one of the best players on the planet.” Mourinho, suspended for the second leg after a first-leg red card, had described Vinicius's celebration as disrespectful.
Prestianni was spotted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Madrid, where a small crowd included one shout of “racist.” The ongoing UEFA investigation could lead to further sanctions.
