Benfica Star Prestianni Hit With Provisional Ban After Vinícius Flashpoint

Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one match by UEFA following the explosive incident involving Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in last week’s Champions League showdown.

The temporary ban means the Argentine winger is set to miss Benfica’s crucial second-leg clash at the Santiago Bernabéu while European football’s governing body continues its investigation into the allegations.

The development has added fresh tension to an already heated tie between the Portuguese giants and the Spanish champions.

What Sparked the Controversy
The flashpoint occurred during Real Madrid’s narrow first-leg victory in Lisbon. Shortly after Vinícius celebrated near the corner flag, a confrontation broke out between players.
Vinícius subsequently reported to the referee that he had been subjected to racist abuse. The match was briefly halted as UEFA’s anti-discrimination protocol was activated, highlighting the seriousness of the complaint.
UEFA later confirmed it had opened formal disciplinary proceedings, leading to Prestianni’s provisional suspension.

What the One-Match Ban Means
For now, the punishment is temporary but significant.
Prestianni will be unavailable for Benfica’s next UEFA fixture — the decisive return leg in Madrid — unless the suspension is overturned in time, which appears unlikely.
Importantly, UEFA has stressed the ban is “without prejudice,” meaning the final decision is still pending. If the investigation concludes that discriminatory behaviour occurred, the winger could face a far longer suspension under UEFA regulations.
That possibility now hangs heavily over both the player and the club.
Prestianni and Benfica Push Back
Prestianni has strongly denied the accusation, maintaining that his words were misunderstood in the heat of the moment.
Benfica have publicly backed their player and indicated they intend to challenge the provisional ruling. The club also reiterated its commitment to fighting racism while expressing concern about the timing of the suspension ahead of such a critical match.

Despite the appeal plans, the winger is still expected to miss the Bernabéu showdown.
Why This Case Matters
Incidents involving Vinícius Júnior have repeatedly drawn global attention to racism in football, and UEFA has been under growing pressure to act decisively whenever allegations arise.

By issuing a provisional ban so quickly, UEFA has signalled a firm stance while it gathers full evidence.
The case is now being closely watched across Europe — not only because of its disciplinary implications but also because of the potential impact on Benfica’s Champions League hopes.

Big Blow Ahead of the Bernabéu Test
From a purely football perspective, the suspension is a setback for Benfica.
Prestianni has been one of the club’s energetic attacking options, and his absence reduces their depth heading into what is already a daunting trip to Madrid.
Benfica must now overturn the first-leg deficit without the young winger available, increasing the pressure on the rest of the squad.

What Happens Next
UEFA’s investigation is ongoing, and several outcomes remain possible:
The case could be closed with no further action
A longer suspension could be imposed if misconduct is proven
Benfica may pursue a full appeal process
Until the final verdict arrives, the situation remains unresolved — but the immediate consequence is clear: Prestianni will be watching the second leg from the sidelines.

Final Word
The provisional ban handed to Gianluca Prestianni has injected fresh drama into Benfica’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid.
While the full facts are still being examined, UEFA’s swift intervention underlines the seriousness with which such allegations are now treated in European football.
For Benfica, the challenge is immediate. For Prestianni, the scrutiny is only just beginning.