The first leg playoff match in the Champions League between Benfica and Real Madrid was marked by a scandal after Brazilian Vinícius Júnior formally accused Argentine Gianluca Prestianni of uttering serious racist insults during the game. If the accusation is confirmed by UEFA's investigation, the former Vélez Sarsfield player faces a severe sporting sanction. "I heard it, and there are Benfica players who heard it too," the French forward stated in the mixed zone, further complicating Prestianni's situation in the event of witness testimony. For now, UEFA will open a disciplinary file to collect player testimonies and determine whether the Argentine footballer will be punished with an international suspension. "Racists are above all cowards. They need to cover their mouths with their shirt to show their weakness," the Brazilian attacker expressed in a statement. Mbappé backed "Vini". Vinícius's serious accusation was publicly supported by his strike partner, Kylian Mbappé, who got involved on the field and shouted at the Argentine: "You fucking racist." VAR was unable to confirm the aggression through lip reading, so French referee François Letexier simply chose to warn the Argentine. However, the Real Madrid star was scathing. "Benfica's number 25, I don't want to say his name because he doesn't deserve it, called Vini a monkey five times." After an exchange of words, cameras captured Prestianni covering his mouth with the Portuguese club's shirt before turning to Vinícius, an action that prevented immediate understanding of what he said. According to Article 14 of the organization's disciplinary regulation: "Any entity or person who insults the human dignity of an individual or group for any reason, including skin color, race, or origin, shall be subject to a suspension of at least ten matches or for a determined period of time." Reconstruction of the conflict. The moment of greatest tension took place on the field of play.
