UEFA has denied Benfica’s appeal against Gianluca Prestianni’s suspension. The 20-year-old misses the Champions League return leg against Real Madrid tonight after claims of racist abuse toward Vinicius Jr. Read the latest on the case, what happened, and what Benfica fans can expect.
UEFA Shuts Down Benfica’s Appeal
Benfica just got bad news ahead of their huge Champions League second leg against Real Madrid tonight. UEFA rejected their appeal completely. That means 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Gianluca Prestianni remains suspended and will not feature at the Bernabeu. For fans planning to track every moment with a free live score>, this changes the dynamic significantly.
The decision came straight from UEFA. Their statement read: “The appeal filed by Benfica is rejected. Accordingly, the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of 23 February 2026 is confirmed.”
How the Whole Situation Started
It all kicked off in the first leg in Lisbon last week. Real Madrid took a 1-0 win thanks to a sharp finish from Vinicius Jr. Right after the goal, things got heated. Vinicius went straight to French referee François Letexier and reported that Prestianni had called him a “monkey.” That’s a very serious racism claim in football. Prestianni immediately pulled his t-shirt over his mouth while speaking, which made it almost impossible to clearly hear or read his lips on camera.
He has strongly denied using any racial insult. Some reports suggest he admitted to a homophobic comment instead, but nothing related to race. Prestianni also said Vinicius called him a “dwarf” during the exchange, framing it as a back-and-forth.
UEFA’s Quick Response and Provisional Ban
UEFA acted fast. They opened an investigation into possible discriminatory conduct right after the match. On February 23, their disciplinary body issued a provisional one-match suspension for Prestianni. Benfica appealed immediately, hoping to have him available for tonight’s decisive game. The appeal was turned down today, so the ban stands.
Why This Matters for Tonight’s Game
Benfica already trail 1-0 from the first leg. Losing Prestianni hurts their attacking options. He’s young but has been sharp this season, often providing energy and creativity in midfield.
Real Madrid will have the home crowd and a slight advantage. Benfica need to score at least once and keep things tight defensively. Without Prestianni, their manager will have to adjust the lineup, maybe lean on more experienced players or change the shape.
Bigger Picture: Racism Claims and Ongoing Probe
Vinicius has dealt with racist abuse many times, especially in La Liga. He speaks openly about it, and each new incident brings heavy attention. This case is no different. Benfica have backed their player publicly. They called parts of the media coverage unfair and said they are investigating reports of their own fans making monkey gestures toward Vinicius during the match. The full UEFA investigation continues.
If Prestianni is eventually found guilty of racial abuse, the punishment could jump to 10 matches or longer. For now, the suspension is just precautionary while evidence is reviewed. Proving exactly what was said is tricky when someone covers their mouth. Audio was unclear, and video relies on lip-reading, which isn’t perfect. Both players have given their versions, and UEFA has the tough job of deciding what really happened.
Key Things to Watch in the Return Leg
This tie is still very much alive. Here are the main storylines people will follow tonight:
- Benfica’s midfield without Prestianni: Will they struggle to create chances or find a way to adapt?
- Vinicius against Benfica’s backline: After scoring and celebrating in the first leg, expect close marking and possible tension.
- Atmosphere at the Bernabeu: Big crowd, high stakes, and the shadow of last week’s incident.
- Any new updates from UEFA: The probe might produce fresh statements soon after the whistle.
A Shadow Over the Bernabéu: When Off-Field Drama Decides the Game
Nobody wants racism in the game. At the same time, accusations need clear proof, especially in heated moments. This situation shows how fast things can escalate and how seriously UEFA treats these reports. For Benfica supporters, it’s disappointing to lose a key player for such an important match over something still being investigated. For Real Madrid and Vinicius fans, it’s about holding people accountable.
As the drama unfolds, both sides will be glued to their live mobile scores, waiting to see how this absence impacts the game. Football should decide the result tonight, but this off-field drama will linger. One goal, one mistake, or one big moment could swing the tie either way. We’ll find out soon how it ends at the Bernabeu.