Benfica 'wholeheartedly believe' Gianluca Prestianni over Vinicius Junior's racism claim as UEFA open investigation into Real Madrid tie

React to this story

UEFA have appointed a disciplinary inspector to look into "allegations of discriminatory behaviour" during Benfica's 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Vinicius Junior claimed to have been racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. Though the incident was not detailed within UEFA's initial statement, Benfica issued a statement of support for their player.

Prestianni is 'cowardly' for covering face in Vinicius racism row, says Cole

Video credit: TNT Sports

UEFA have opened an investigation into "allegations of discriminatory behaviour" during Real Madrid's win at Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, with the Portuguese club vowing to cooperate with the governing body.

Though a specific incident was not detailed in the statement, it follows claims from Vinicius Junior and his Madrid team-mates that the Brazil superstar was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni.

UEFA's release read: "A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 knock-out play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on February 17, 2026.

La Liga

Vinicius signs new six-year contract with Real Madrid in Arsenal blow

Yesterday at 19:41

"Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."

Vinicius had scored the only goal of the game for Real Madrid on 50 minutes - and, following his celebrations, there was an exchange between the Brazilian and Benfica winger Prestianni.

The Madrid forward then consulted with the referee, Francois Letexier, who activated the anti-racism protocol.

Vinicius left the pitch, as did both teams, causing a delay of around 10 minutes before the match was restarted, and the player later also appeared to be struck on the arm by an object thrown from the crowd in second-half added time.

Prestianni and Benfica both denied any allegations of racism towards his opponent, while Vinicius' Madrid team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold said that the incident was a "disgrace."

"What has happened is a disgrace to football and overshadowed the performance, as well as an amazing goal," the former Liverpool man said.

"Vini has been subject to this a few times throughout his career. To ruin a night like this for our team is a disgrace. There is no place for it in football or society. It is disgusting."

Highlights: Vini Jr stunner sees Real edge first leg

Video credit: TNT Sports

On his Instagram account, Vinicius made his own statement after the match had ended.

"Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are," he wrote.

"But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team's life.

"I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don't understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose."

Benfica 'wholeheartedly supports and believes' Prestianni

Benfica released a statement on their official website, defending Prestianni over the criticism and vowed to cooperate with UEFA's investigation.

The club wrote: "Benfica will collaborate fully, with total transparency, openness and a sense of clarity following the steps announced by UEFA today following the accusations of racism which occurred during the match with Real Madrid.

"The club reaffirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historical and intransigent commitment to defending the values of equality, respect and inclusion which align with the core values of the club’s foundation and which holds Eusebio as the great symbol.

"Benfica reiterates that it still wholeheartedly supports and believes the version of events presented by our player, Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct throughout his time with the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, for institutions and for the principles which define the club’s identity.

"The club is disappointed with the defamation campaign of which our player has been a victim."

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Men's and Women's FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers