Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has traveled with the team to Spain ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid, despite currently serving a provisional suspension. While a return to the pitch remains a long shot, Benfica is holding out a sliver of hope that the ban could be overturned.
Prestianni is under investigation following allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior shortly after the Brazilian scored in last week’s first leg in Lisbon. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and prompted a UEFA investigation.
UEFA has issued Prestianni with a one-match provisional suspension, ruling him ineligible for the crucial second leg. However, the Portuguese club has formally appealed the decision.
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Despite the suspension, the Argentine international made the trip to Madrid with his teammates and even participated in training at the Bernabéu.
According to the BBC, Benfica is still hoping for a successful appeal, though the club acknowledges that a decision before Wednesday’s match is unlikely.
🚨 Gianluca Prestianni, in regular team training under José Mourinho’s indications ahead of Real-Benfica.@lejournaldureal 🎥 pic.twitter.com/wFwm3AU5BU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 24, 2026
Sky Sports reports that Benfica’s decision to bring Prestianni to Madrid is also a show of support for the player and a reaffirmation of their belief in his innocence – a stance the club has consistently maintained.
Real Madrid will host Benfica on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 3:00 AM WIB. Benfica will need to win by at least two goals to advance to the round of 16, while Real Madrid only needs a draw after securing a 1-0 victory in the first leg.
(adp/krs)
