Benfica’s Prestianni Denies Racially Insulting Real Madrid’s Vinícius in Champions League Game

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has issued a firm denial after being accused of racially insulting Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during their recent Champions League encounter. The controversy arose when television images showed Prestianni covering his mouth while speaking in close proximity to the Brazilian international, prompting some observers to suggest discriminatory language had been used. In a brief but pointed response circulated through club channels, the 19-year-old Argentine insisted no such remark was made, stressing that the gesture was routine and not motivated by racial hostility. European football’s governing body has yet to confirm whether a formal complaint has been filed, leaving the incident in a preliminary stage of review. Both Benfica and Real Madrid declined to add further comment, referring queries to UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body. The match itself ended without any official on-field mention of the episode, and refereeing reports filed at the final whistle made no reference to abuse allegations.