Benfica

Jose Mourinho has rejected reports that he issued demands for a possible return to Real Madrid. The Benfica manager said he has had no contact with the Spanish club and remains focused on his current team.

6 Mwezi wa tano, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

FIFA has extended Gianluca Prestianni's six-game suspension for homophobic conduct to worldwide effect. The decision puts the Benfica winger's participation in Argentina's opening matches at the 2026 World Cup in doubt. Prestianni was initially banned by UEFA following an incident in February.

Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League play-off on February 18, 2026, but the match was overshadowed by an alleged racist slur directed at Vinicius Jr. by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. The game halted for about eight minutes after Vinicius reported the incident to referee François Letexier, who activated the anti-racism protocol. UEFA has launched an investigation into the matter.

17 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

In the first leg of the Champions League playoffs between Benfica and Real Madrid, which ended 1-0 in favor of the Spanish side, Vinícius Júnior reported an alleged racist insult from Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni. The match was paused briefly as the Brazilian refused to continue playing. Vinícius later issued a statement calling Prestianni a coward and challenging the referees.

Real Madrid faces SL Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, with direct qualification to the knockout stages at stake. The match pits interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa against former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. Benfica enters on mixed form, while Real Madrid aims to secure a top-eight finish.

27 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Real Madrid faces Benfica in the final matchday of the Champions League league phase, aiming for a win to secure direct qualification to the last 16. The Whites, currently third in the standings, will play at the Estadio da Luz on January 28, 2026, at 9 p.m. CET. A victory guarantees progression, while a draw or loss leaves their fate dependent on other results.