Benfica assistant coach João Tralhão sought to shift focus back to football on Tuesday, refusing to engage with questions surrounding Gianluca Prestianni’s suspension ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid.
Prestianni, the 20-year-old Argentine winger, received a provisional one-match suspension from UEFA after being accused of directing a racist remark toward Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s 1–0 first-leg victory in Lisbon.
The player has denied the accusation, stating Vinicius “misunderstood what he thinks he heard.” Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni claimed Prestianni admitted instead to making a homophobic comment — a separate but equally serious allegation.
Tralhão declined to address the substance of the allegations during his pre-match press conference.
“We are not going to talk about the topic you asked about,” he said. “Regardless of the player on the pitch, we have an identity — a clear identity. Whether player A plays or player B plays, we maintain the same profile.”
The messaging was deliberate: Benfica intend to present continuity and collective focus, rather than allow the situation to destabilise preparations for one of their most important matches of the season.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois addressed the broader issue earlier on Tuesday, condemning racism and homophobia in equal measure and describing any form of discriminatory insult as “just as serious.”
Courtois also criticised sections of Benfica’s support who were reported to have made monkey gestures during the first leg, calling the behaviour “deplorable” and “shameful.” He defended Vinicius’ goal celebration, rejecting suggestions that it provoked the crowd.
The context heightens scrutiny on Wednesday’s return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, a venue where atmosphere and narrative often intertwine.
Benfica will also be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who is suspended following his red card in the first leg. Mourinho further inflamed tensions post-match by suggesting Vinicius had provoked supporters with his celebration.
Though barred from the touchline, Mourinho oversaw Tuesday’s training session, with Prestianni participating despite his suspension.
Tralhão emphasised that contingency planning has been thorough:
“We prepared this match anticipating every scenario that may happen… we prepared all the scenarios so that tomorrow we can perform at our level.”
Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes described the build-up as “a little bit different week,” acknowledging the off-field distraction but reinforcing the team’s competitive focus.
“It’s like a final tomorrow,” he said. “We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium.”
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate the allegations of discriminatory conduct. A formal decision is expected once proceedings conclude.
Beyond the tactical battle — Benfica chasing a one-goal deficit against 14-time European champions — the fixture now carries reputational implications for both clubs.
For Benfica:
For Real Madrid:
What was already a high-stakes European tie has become layered with disciplinary uncertainty and emotional tension. On Wednesday night in Madrid, performance may determine progression — but the wider investigation will continue to shape the narrative long after the final whistle.
