No Mourinho and Prestianni for Benfica in Champions League match against Real Madrid

MADRID — When Benfica step onto the Santiago Bernabéu pitch for Wednesday’s Champions League knockout return leg, they will do so without two of the most visible figures from last week’s tempestuous first leg: coach José Mourinho and winger Gianluca Prestianni.

UEFA announced on Monday that Prestianni has been handed a one-match ban for “discriminatory behaviour” after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior accused the Argentine teenager of racial abuse during the 1-0 defeat in Lisbon. The incident flared in the 73rd minute when Vinícius celebrated his goal in front of the Benfica support, prompting a mass confrontation and a ten-minute stoppage. Prestianni, who covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinícius, denied using a slur; the anti-racism protocol was activated but no on-field sanction followed for lack of evidence. European football’s governing body stressed that the suspension is “without prejudice” to any final ruling once its disciplinary investigation concludes.

Benfica responded with a terse statement “lamenting” the suspension while the probe is ongoing and confirmed they will appeal. Portuguese outlets report Prestianni will still travel with the squad to Madrid, though he must watch from the stands.

Mourinho, sent off late in the first leg for persistent protests, is also barred from the touchline and will skip Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, delegating duties to an assistant. The former Real Madrid boss labelled the week “tough” on Saturday but refused to revisit his public criticism of Vinícius’s celebration.

Real Madrid, protecting a 1-0 aggregate lead, have no fresh injury concerns; Vinícius, fresh from scoring in Saturday’s 2-1 league loss at Osasuna, is set to start. Kick-off at the Bernabéu is scheduled for Wednesday at 21:00 CET.