Tension is mounting ahead of Real Madrid’s significant European fixture, and this time it extends beyond mere tactics.
A report from El Chiringuito TV indicates that many Real Madrid players are particularly eager to take on Benfica, fueled by emotional reverberations from the alleged racism incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr.
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The situation arose from a recent confrontation between Vinicius and Prestianni, leading to serious allegations and disciplinary measures.
As UEFA continues to evaluate the incident, uncertainty lingers regarding the Benfica midfielder’s availability for the second leg.
Current Status
Per Article 49 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Code, provisional measures could result in a 90-day suspension if an investigator has yet to present a final decision in extraordinary disciplinary cases.
Currently, Prestianni is provisionally suspended for the critical matchup. However, Benfica has filed an appeal against this ruling.
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Despite the provisional suspension, the Portuguese club is expected to include Prestianni in their squad traveling to Madrid.
Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
If UEFA’s Appeals Committee decides to lift the suspension, the midfielder could play at the Santiago Bernabeu.
If this scenario occurs, the atmosphere is bound to become even more charged.
In the Real Madrid camp, the incident has not been overlooked. Vinicius, often a focal point in high-stakes matches, will once again be under scrutiny.
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Reports suggest his teammates are rallying behind him, viewing the upcoming match as a chance to make a statement on the field.
With disciplinary uncertainty and lingering tensions, this encounter is poised to be exceptionally intense.
The outcome now hinges on UEFA’s final decision. If Prestianni’s suspension holds, the focus will shift solely to football.
However, should the appeal succeed and he steps onto the Bernabeu pitch, expect a night electrified with emotions that could easily escalate.