UEFA rejects Benfica’s appeal over Prestianni suspension

Gianluca Prestianni will not play today in his team’s 2^nd leg UCL match vs. Los Blancos in the Spanish capital after UEFA rejected Benfica’s appeal against his ban.

The winger was handed a provisional 1-game suspension after the Royal club forward Vini Junior reported alleged racist abuse during the 1^st leg in Lisbon between the 2 clubs, which Real won 1-0 after a goal from the Brazilian superstar.

The Portuguese giants revealed they would appeal the decision, but knew that the chances were not in their favor.

The football governing body has imposed the ban on a provisional basis, as the suspension could become much worse after an independent investigation.

Prestianni traveled with Benfica to Madrid and even trained at Bernabeu yesterday as he waited for a decision in his favor that would allow him to play today. However, that will not happen after it was dismissed by Uefa’s Appeals Body, and the Argentinian remains provisionally banned for their next game in Europe, which will be the tie with Real Madrid in a few hours.

More on this topic:

Courtois backs Vinicius after racism drama surrounding the Brazilian

🚨🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: S.L. Benfica’s appeal has been REJECTED by UEFA.

🇦🇷 Gianluca Prestianni remains suspended and will miss the clash against Real Madrid CF ❌

Massive blow for Benfica ahead of a huge European night. pic.twitter.com/bLCJXKkZAU

— Football updates ! TV 📺 ⚽💙 (@footb___updates) February 25, 2026