Benfica Stresses Team Identity Amid Prestianni Suspension Ahead of Real Madrid Clash

Posted : 24 February 2026

Benfica assistant coach Joao Tralhao has emphasized that the team’s identity does not rely on any single player, choosing not to comment on winger Gianluca Prestianni’s suspension ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League playoff second leg at Real Madrid.

Prestianni, a 20-year-old Argentine, received a provisional one-match ban from UEFA after allegedly directing a racist slur at Vinicius Jr during Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon last week. The winger denied the claim, saying Vinicius “misunderstood what he thinks he heard,” while Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni indicated that Prestianni admitted to making a homophobic remark instead.

Tralhao declined to discuss the allegations in detail, stating: “We are not going to talk about the topic you asked about. 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.”

The controversy has added tension to Benfica’s preparations. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois condemned all forms of discrimination, including racism and homophobia, describing any insult as “just as serious.” He also criticized Benfica fans who made monkey gestures during the first leg, calling the behavior “deplorable” and “shameful,” while defending Vinicius’ goal celebration as harmless.

Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes admitted the squad has experienced “a little bit different week” but stressed the focus remains on the match. “It’s like a final tomorrow. We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium,” the 30-year-old Norwegian said.

Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is serving a suspension after receiving a red card in the first leg. Despite his absence from the bench, Mourinho led training on Tuesday, with Prestianni participating in preparation for all possible scenarios. Tralhao noted: “We prepared this match anticipating every scenario that may happen... From our side, as staff, we prepared the team so that tomorrow we can perform at our level.”

UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the allegations, with a final decision expected after the proceedings conclude.

Benfica Stresses Team Identity Amid Prestianni Suspension Ahead of Real Madrid Clash

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