The Champions League tie between Real Madrid and Benfica has taken a dramatic turn off the pitch. The last time they faced off, it was an absolute drama.
Benfica qualified for the play-offs due to a last-minute header from their goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. However, their first leg encounter became controversial for unwanted reasons.
So, the focus of the second leg is no longer solely on tactics or momentum. Instead, serious allegations have led to a provisional suspension and the threat of a lengthy ban.
According to The Times, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA following claims of discriminatory abuse toward Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
The decision means the 20-year-old will miss the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off on February 25. The controversy stems from the first-leg meeting in Lisbon on February 17.
During that match, Vinicius alleged that Prestianni called him a “mono,” the Spanish word for monkey. The incident reportedly caused a 10-minute delay in play.
UEFA has now opened disciplinary proceedings under Article 14, which covers discriminatory behaviour.
If found guilty of a prima facie breach, Prestianni could face a minimum 10-match suspension. Prestianni has denied the accusation of racism.
According to reports from The Times, the Argentine winger claims the exchange began after Vinicius mocked his height, allegedly calling him a “dwarf” or “midget.”
Prestianni, who stands at 5ft 5in, is one of the shortest players at the elite level. While rejecting the racism claim, Prestianni has reportedly admitted to using a homophobic slur in response.
That admission could still carry serious consequences under UEFA regulations. The situation has escalated further.
Reports state that Prestianni has threatened legal action against Real Madrid players, including Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe, for defamation if he is ultimately cleared of racist conduct.
UEFA’s investigation on this matter is still ongoing.
🚨 BREAKING: Gianluca Prestianni is now claiming Vinicius Junior called him a ‘dwarf’ before the incident happened.
— @thetimes pic.twitter.com/t2igavJ3vE
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) February 24, 2026
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