Real Madrid host Benfica for the second leg of the Champions League knockout phase playoff following the racism allegations made by Vinicius Jr. against Gianluca Prestianni. UEFA had initially issued a provisional suspension to the Argentine for the rematch, though Benfica filed an appeal in an attempt to have him available.
However, UEFA recently reached a final decision, reaffirming their position and rejecting Benfica’s appeal. As a result, Prestianni must serve the imposed sanction and will miss the match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Prior to the ruling, Benfica had made the bold decision to include Prestianni in the traveling squad to Madrid, as reports indicated the club was optimistic for a positive response from the governing body.
Ultimately, the appeal was denied, forcing Prestianni to watch the encounter from the sidelines. Amidst the situation, Prestianni broke his silence through his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he criticized UEFA’s decision; however, he deleted the post just seconds later.
Prestianni is not the only notable absence for the visitors, as manager Jose Mourinho won’t coach Benfica today, as he is also barred from the touchline following his red card in the first leg. Assistant coach Joao Tralhao will lead the team in his place.
Benfica lineup
With the Argentine’s absence confirmed, Benfica were forced to make a change. Dodi Lukebakio, who recently returned to action after a three-month injury layoff and notably warned Prestianni over racism allegations from Vinicius Jr, will remain on the bench though.
Benfica’s starting XI to face Real Madrid: Anatoliy Trubin; Samuel Dahl, Nicolas Otamendi, Tomas Araujo, Amar Dedic; Leandro Barreiro, Richard Rios; Andreas Schjelderup, Rafa Silva, Fredrik Aursnes; Vangelis Pavlidis.
Real Madrid lineup
Real Madrid have suffered a significant blow with the news that Kylian Mbappe will not play today due to a left knee injury. In his absence, manager Alvaro Arbeloa is turning to young standout Gonzalo Garcia to lead the line alongside Vinicius Jr.
Real Madrid’s lineup to face Benfica: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Alvaro Carreras; Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde; Arda Guler; Vinicius Jr., Gonzalo Garcia.