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Both Gianluca Prestianni and Jose Mourinho will miss Benfica’s Champions League match at Real Madrid after UEFA upheld Prestianni’s suspension.
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in training (AFP)
Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni will miss Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg at Real Madrid after UEFA rejected the club’s appeal against his provisional suspension.
The 20-year-old was suspended pending an investigation into allegations that he racially abused Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last week’s first leg in Lisbon, a match Real won 1-0.
Vinicius accused Prestianni of calling him a monkey, an allegation the Argentine has strongly denied.
UEFA confirmed its stance in a statement on Wednesday:
“The appeal lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 February 2026 is confirmed.
“Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.”
The investigation remains ongoing. If found guilty of racial abuse, Prestianni faces a minimum 10-match suspension under UEFA regulations.
The Allegations
The controversy erupted late in the first leg when Vinicius reported the alleged slur to officials. Television footage showed the two exchanging words, with Prestianni covering his mouth with his shirt during the confrontation.
Benfica have publicly backed their midfielder, describing the claims as part of a “smear campaign.” The match was briefly halted under anti-racism protocol as tensions flared.
Mourinho Also Absent
The fallout has extended beyond the players. Benfica coach Jose Mourinho will not be on the touchline at the Santiago Bernabéu after being sent off during the heated first leg. He has also declined to address the media before or after the decisive clash, with assistant João Tralhão handling press duties.
Benfica travel to Madrid trailing 1-0 on aggregate, and now without both their head coach and a key midfielder as they attempt to overturn the deficit.
(with AFP inputs)
February 25, 2026, 21:40 IST
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