Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni suspended by UEFA following racism controversy against Vinicius; will he play against Real Madrid?

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for the upcoming Champions League return leg against Real Madrid. 

The decision, confirmed by UEFA's official statement, stems from an ongoing investigation into allegations of discriminatory behavior, specifically, claims by Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior that Prestianni racially abused him during the first-leg knockout play-off match on February 17. 

Will Prestianni play against Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League second leg match? 

No. Gianluca Prestianni will not play in the UEFA Champions League second leg against Real Madrid.

UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has provisionally suspended the Benfica winger for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. 

During the UEFA knockout play-off first leg at the Estadio da Luz, Los Blancos forward Vinicius scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory. After celebrating near the Benfica bench, he was confronted by the Argentine, who covered his mouth with his shirt while appearing to say something directly to the Brazilian. 

The Real Madrid star immediately reported to referee François Letexier that Prestianni had racially abused him by calling him "mono," which means Monkey in English, prompting the activation of FIFA's anti-racism protocol. Following this, the match was halted for 10 minutes. 

Prestianni denied the allegations after UEFA quickly opened an investigation, appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector. UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has imposed a provisional one-match suspension on Prestianni for prima facie discriminatory behavior under Article 14 of their regulations, while the full probe continues.