MADRID (AP) — Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni has denied racially insulting Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match when he covered his mouth with his jersey. “I have never been racist with anyone and I regret the threats that I received from Real Madrid players,

UEFA says it has begun an investigation into the alleged racist abuse against Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid's victory over Benfica.

In a highly charged UEFA Champions League first-leg playoff clash on Tuesday at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, the match between Real Madrid and Benfica was temporarily stopped after Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior accused a Benfica opponent of racially insulting him.

Jose Mourinho, Gianluca Prestianni and Kylian Mbappe opens up about Vinicius Jr. controversy during Real Madrid vs. Benfica on Tuesday, February 17 2026.

Ruben Amorim’s sacking from Manchester United came after a turbulent 18-month period during which the Portuguese head coach was unable to find a winning formula.After falling out with the hierarchy

Just a year prior, on 31 May 1961, as Benfica supporters celebrated a most unexpected win, beating Barcelona 3-2 in the European Cup final, people in Madrid were laughing and they didn’t hide it.

Controversial scenes occur during the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

SL Benfica centre-back Nicolas Otamendi's body is largely filled with many tattoos from his achievements with Argentina to the shows he likes.