Prestianni suspended by Uefa for Real Madrid return

The one-game ban has been put in place pending the findings of the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector's investigation.

Benfica's Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni reacts during the UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on January 28, 2026. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images)

Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for Wednesday’s Champions League return leg against Real Madrid by UEFA following the Vinicius Junior racism incident last week.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius alleged he was the subject of racist abuse by a Benfica player – later named by Real as Prestianni – during the first leg between the clubs last Tuesday.

UEFA on Monday announced a provisional one-match ban for Prestianni following the appointment of a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the incident.

UEFA said further punishment could be handed out once the investigation is completed.

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