Benfica Backs Prestianni, Rejects Real Madrid Version After Incident with Vinícius Jr.

Benfica has rejected the account given by Real Madrid players regarding the alleged racist insult by Gianluca Prestianni toward Brazilian Vinícius Jr. following the White team’s goal in the first leg of the Champions League playoff. The Portuguese club expressed its support for the Argentine player.

In a post on the club’s official account, accompanied by a video clip of the moment, Benfica stated:

“As the images show, given the distance, Real Madrid players could not have heard what they claim to have heard.”

Hours earlier, the club had already shared a photo of Prestianni with the phrase “together, by your side”, showing support for the player.

The Incident in Lisbon

After scoring a spectacular goal in the 49th minute, Vinícius reported to French referee François Letexier that he had received a racist insult from Prestianni, who had covered his mouth with his shirt. This triggered the UEFA anti-racism protocol and an eight-minute stoppage, causing high tension on the pitch and protests from players like Kylian Mbappé.

The referee made the arms-crossed gesture to signal the protocol while calming the situation as Vinícius and other teammates threatened to leave the field. There was no visual proof of the insult; only Vinícius pointing at Prestianni after the action.

Reactions from Mbappé and Vinícius

“What I saw is very clear: number 25 said five times to Vini that you are a monkey. Everyone can have their opinion, but we are giving the facts and everyone must move in the same direction. This type of behavior is unacceptable. It’s wonderful to play in the Champions League, but giving this image is terrible for world football,” said Mbappé.

The Frenchman added in the mixed zone:

“I called him racist because I think so. You can see it on his face—he hid behind his shirt to cover his lips. This type of person is not a professional colleague. A player like that does not deserve to play in the Champions League. We hope UEFA takes action. This is a serious case.”

Vinícius Jr. also shared his perspective on social media:

“Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirts to show how weak they are. They also have the protection of others who should punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or my family’s life.”

José Mourinho’s Take

Benfica coach José Mourinho explained that he spoke with Vinícius during the stoppage and asked him about his goal celebration:

“I said: you scored a world-class goal, why celebrate like this? Why not like Di Stéfano, Pelé, or Eusébio? That’s the only thing I don’t understand.”

Mourinho also spoke with Prestianni and noted that both players gave different versions, so he chose to remain balanced:

“In football, these things happen on the field.”

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube