Vinicius Jr
Suspended Prestianni travels with Benfica for Real Madrid clash
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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.
Real Madrid has submitted evidence to UEFA supporting Vinicius Jr's allegation of racial abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during their Champions League match. The incident occurred in a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid on February 17, 2026, at Benfica's stadium in Lisbon. Prestianni denies the claims, and UEFA is investigating amid escalating tensions.
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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.