UEFA Rejects Benfica Appeal Over Prestianni Ban; Player Misses Real Madrid Clash - Elbotola
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UEFA Rejects Benfica Appeal Over Prestianni Ban; Player Misses Real Madrid Clash

UEFA Rejects Benfica Appeal Over Prestianni Ban; Player Misses Real Madrid Clash

T.E (Elbotola)
25 February 2026at15:30

Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni is confirmed to miss today's UEFA Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid, after the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) rejected his club's appeal against his suspension.

UEFA had provisionally suspended the Argentine player for one match, but Prestianni traveled with Benfica to Madrid after the Portuguese club appealed the decision.

The governing body issued a statement today, which read: "The appeal lodged by Benfica has been rejected. Consequently, the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of 23 February 2026 is confirmed."

The statement added that Prestianni "remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match in which he would otherwise be eligible to participate."

It is worth noting that Real Madrid won the first leg against Benfica in Lisbon by a single goal, in a match overshadowed by a racism controversy after Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior accused Prestianni of racially abusing him.

Why was Gianluca Prestianni suspended for the Real Madrid match?

Gianluca Prestianni will miss the Real Madrid match due to a UEFA suspension. His club's appeal was rejected, confirming his provisional ban for the Champions League playoff second leg.

What does Prestianni's confirmed suspension imply for Benfica's Champions League playoff against Real Madrid?

Prestianni's confirmed suspension means Benfica must face Real Madrid in the Champions League playoff second leg without him. This comes after Real Madrid secured a 1-0 lead in the first leg.
Real Madrid
Benfica
UEFA Champions League

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