Home / Football / Champions League News Benfica lash out at defamation campaign against Gianluca Prestianni after racism allegations Benfica are unhappy at criticism of Prestianni Written by Jon Fisher Last Update: February 18, 2026 02:11:35 pm GMT 3 min read Benfica have lashed out at what they perceive to be a campaign of defamation against forward Gianluca Prestianni after the Argentine was accused of using a racist slur against Real Madrids Vinicius Jr. The incident occurred last night during the Champions League play-off, first leg between the sides in Lisbon. UEFA has already announced it will investigate.Vinicius Jr has alleged Prestianni called him a monkey in the immediate aftermath of the Brazil international putting the visitors ahead with a stunning strike six minutes into the second half.The referee halted the game for around eight minutes while Vinicius articulated his case but the player was persuaded to continue the game.Prestianni held his shirt over his mouth while making the alleged remark and has denied any wrong doing, telling his accusers to stop inventing things.Table of Contents1 ALL THE DETAILS OF A TROUBLING NIGHT FOR FOOTBALL2 Benfica and Mourinho stand by Prestianni3 Former Benfica captain defends Vinicius and says hes ashamedALL THE DETAILS OF A TROUBLING NIGHT FOR FOOTBALLBenfica and Mourinho stand by PrestianniBenfica backed their man after the game even posting a video on social media in which they attempt to prove no other Madrid player could have heard what Prestianni is alleged to have said while boss Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius Jr had incited the home crowd with his celebrations following the goal.The Portuguese club confirmed their stance today with a strongly worded statement in which it turned on the players critics and used Mozambique-born Eusebio to demonstrate why they are against all forms of racism.The statement read: Benfica faces with a total spirit of collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarification the steps announced today by UEFA, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid.The club reaffirms, in a clear and unequivocal way, its historical and uncompromising commitment to the defense of the values of equality, respect and inclusion, which meet the matrix values of its foundation and which have in Eusbio its greatest symbol.Benfica also reiterates that it supports and fully believes in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct in the service of the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define Benficas identity. The club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim.Former Benfica captain defends Vinicius and says hes ashamedDespite Benficas insistence of no wrongdoing, the clubs former captain Luisao stood firmly alongside his Brazilian compatriot.The 45-year-old, who made over 300 appearances for Benfica and won 44 caps for his country, wrote on social media: This shirt is very big, I love Benfica, its my second skin. You have to be worthy to wear the sacred mantle. This incident gets worse because its a lie football is won in the race, in the fight It was a racist act, yes and Im ashamed of it. Topics: Real Madrid CF S.L. Benfica Follow us: Jon Fisher Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events. Read more from Jon Fisher
