Updated / Tuesday, 24 Feb 2026 19:20
Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was a surprise participant in training at the Bernabeu on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid in the Spanish capital.
Prestianni received a [provisional one-match suspension](https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2026/0223/1559986-suspension-for-prestianni-after-vinicius-incident/) from UEFA on Monday, which Benfica have appealed, after he was accused of directing a racist slur at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during the La Liga side's 1-0 first-leg win in Lisbon last week.
The 20-year-old Argentine winger denied the allegation, stating Vinicius "misunderstood what he thinks he heard", with Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni saying Prestianni admitted to making a homophobic remark instead.
Benfica assistant coach Joao Tralhao said his side's identity did not depend on any individual player as he declined to comment on the suspension.
"We are not going to talk about the topic you asked about," Tralhao told reporters.
"What we can say is that, regardless of the player on the pitch, we have an identity – a clear identity... whether player A plays or player B plays, we maintain the same profile."
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois condemned both racism and homophobia earlier on Tuesday, describing any form of insult as "just as serious".
He also criticised Benfica fans who made monkey gestures during the first leg, calling their behaviour "deplorable" and "shameful", while defending Vinicius over his goal celebration.
The situation adds tension to Benfica's preparations for the match. Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes said the squad experienced "a little bit of a different week".
"It's like a final tomorrow. We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium," the 30-year-old Norwegian added.
Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.
Mourinho, 63, stirred controversy after the first leg by suggesting Vinicius had provoked the crowd with his goal celebration.