The first leg of the playoff matchup between Benfica and Real Madrid in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League was one of the most controversial games of the season. Following the chaotic second half at Estadio da Luz, the Portuguese club issued a straightforward statement.
“It is completely false that the president of SL Benfica was involved in any discussion or physical confrontation with a member of Real Madrid. This is a totally false and unfounded accusation,” as stated by the club’s official account on X, via @SLBenfica.
The message was sent after reports emerged of Benfica president Rui Costa getting involved in a fisticuff with a member of Real Madrid’s staff in the tunnel. That report has now been categorically dismissed by Benfica.
Wild scenes in Estadio da Luz
As crazy as it may be to imagine Costa fighting with a Real Madrid executive, after what transpired throughout the game, nothing seemed far-fetched anymore. It was pandemonium from the get-go, and it didn’t even stop after the final whistle.
If anything, the buzz only grew louder. Among many public statements, Kylian Mbappe voiced one of the strongest ones, calling for Gianluca Prestianni to be banned from UEFA Champions League.
Ahead of the second leg match
Vinicius Jr. didn’t stay far behind, as he released a long statement, calling Prestianni a coward and a racist. UEFA authorities will investigate the incident, and further discipline could be assessed.
What happened on the pitch can’t—and won’t—be forgotten anytime soon. However, in the meantime, both sides will face each other in the decisive second leg in Madrid on Wednesday, Feb. 25th. Amid the drama, it’s easy to imagine there may be another heated chapter if Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. meet again on the pitch, this time at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.