Benfica’s Prestianni receives a provisional 1-game suspension

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has received a provisional 1-game ban after Los Blancos superstar Vini Jr reported alleged racist abuse during last week’s UCL game between the 2 clubs.

It means that the Argentinian player will not play in the 2^nd leg of the tie in the Spanish capital after 2 days.

UEFA has imposed the suspension on a provisional basis, pending the result of a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector.

They added that Prestianni could be punished more harshly when the investigation is over.

Vini told official Francois Letexier that he had been racially abused by Gianluca during the 1^st leg of their UCL knockout phase play-off tie in Portugal a few days ago.

However, the Argentinian winger has denied abusing Vinicius, and his club shared that they would appeal against the decision despite the fact that the chances of the ban being reversed before the 2^nd leg are almost zero.

More on this topic:

Vini Jr reports racist abuse during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win vs. Benfica

The match in Lisbon was halted for 10 minutes after the Brazilian alerted on-field official Letexier to the 2^nd half incident, before Vini and his teammates briefly left the pitch before returning, and the match was resumed.

🚨 BREAKING: Gianluca Prestianni will NOT play against Real Madrid, suspended by UEFA.

Provisional suspension has been notified to Benfica today while investigation for the racism case with Vinicius Jr continues. pic.twitter.com/RCkasEyuEL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2026