UCL: Benfica makes a bold decision on Gianluca Prestianni after UEFA suspension

25.02.26 FT Champions League

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Benfica

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Tension remains high around Gianluca Prestianni on the eve of Benfica's trip to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Despite the controversy sparked during the first leg, the young Argentine international is indeed included in the squad traveling to Madrid, a clear sign that the Lisbon club continues to back him in an intensely charged atmosphere.

Also read: Champions League / Benfica – Real Madrid: Gianluca Prestianni reveals the insult directed at Vinicius Jr.

At the center of debate for several days, the player has been accused by Vinícius Júnior of making racist remarks during the match. The incident quickly escalated to a European level, prompting UEFA to launch a disciplinary investigation. The governing body has decided, pending a final verdict, to hand down a provisional one-match suspension to the Argentine attacking midfielder.

Direct consequence: Prestianni will travel with his teammates to the Spanish capital but will not be allowed to set foot on the Santiago Bernabéu pitch for this crucial leg. Benfica will therefore have to take on Real Madrid without him as they look to overturn the tie, while UEFA's investigation continues to clarify the circumstances of this controversial episode.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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