Real Madrid submitted images and documentation to UEFA as evidence regarding the exchange between Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. Now, Benfica have responded with disciplinary action of their own, escalating tensions ahead of the second leg.

Benfica filed a formal complaint with UEFA against Federico Valverde, citing alleged violent conduct by the Real Madrid midfielder during the match. The Portuguese side argues that the incident warranted further review and possible sanctions.

The move may also represent Benfica defending Prestianni amid the fallout from the allegations involving Vinicius Jr. The Argentine midfielder has maintained that he did not direct racist comments toward the Brazilian forward, while Benfica continue to publicly support their player.

What happened on the field

The complaint centers on an incident after the 80th minute involving Federico Valverde and Samuel Dahl. As both players battled for position following a throw-in, and after the ball had already passed them, Valverde appeared to strike Dahl in the face.

Dahl was holding Valverde as the Uruguay international attempted to accelerate into space. In response, Valverde raised his right fist and made contact with Dahl’s left cheek. The assistant referee was positioned near the play and awarded a foul in favor of Benfica, but no card was issued, and VAR did not intervene.

Valverde avoided punishment during the match, but Benfica believe the action merited a red card for violent conduct. The Portuguese club contends that the incident meets the regulatory threshold for serious foul play under UEFA guidelines.

Benfica have formally referred the case to UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee and are awaiting a decision. Any ruling could have implications before the return leg in Madrid, where Real Madrid are set to host Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Following the departures of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in recent seasons, PSG finally reached their long-awaited goal of winning their first UEFA Champions League title under the leadership of head coach Luis Enrique and with young stars like Desire Doue and Vitinha stepping up.

Paris Saint-Germain took the lead against Inter in the 12th minute and never looked back, controlling a final that will go down in soccer history. The lopsided scoreline broke an all-time record, further cementing PSG’s place in European football lore.

What is the biggest win in a UCL final?

The biggest win in a UEFA Champions League final is Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 victory over Internazionale, setting a historic record. The goals in this dominant performance were scored by Desire Doue (who netted twice), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi, and Senny Mayulu. Luis Enrique’s squad clearly proved to be the best team in the tournament.

What was the biggest win in a UCL final before PSG’s 5-0 over Internazionale?

The previous largest margin of victory in a UEFA Champions League final was recorded in the 1994 edition, when AC Milan defeated FC Barcelona 4–0 at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece. Daniele Massaro scored a brace, while Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly completed the scoring.

How many French teams have won the UEFA Champions League?

Paris Saint-Germain is not the first French team to win a UEFA Champions League final. The other club to achieve that historic feat was Olympique de Marseille in the 1992-93 edition. With the result of the final in Munich, there are now two French teams that have won Europe’s top competition.

PSG are hoping to return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2020, when they fell to Bayern Munich. With key players like Achraf Hakimi also in top form, Dembele could once again be the difference-maker as Luis Enrique’s side chases European glory in May.

Arsenal, trailing by just one goal on aggregate, are determined to bounce back and replicate the form that saw them eliminate Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. With stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard leading the charge, the Gunners are aiming to make their first Champions League final appearance since 2006, when Thierry Henry spearheaded their run to face Barcelona.

Why is Ousmane Dembele not starting against Arsenal today?

Ousmane Dembele is starting on the bench in today’s Champions League semifinal against Arsenal. Luis Enrique confirmed he’d be available during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, suggesting that the Frenchman could come on in the second half.

Tests made after the first leg in London revealed that Dembele suffered a muscle strain in his thigh, which is why he won’t be playing from the get-go in Paris today. His recovery was promising enough to grant him a place on the bench though, so chances are we see Dembele suit up at some point in the match.

PSG vs Arsenal: Lineups for the semifinal

PSG’s confirmed starting eleven – GK: Donnarumma DF: Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes MF: Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz FW: Doue, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola.

Arsenal’s starting lineup – GK: Raya DF: Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly MF: Odegaard, Rice, Partey FW: Saka, Merino, Martinelli.

Inter Milan, one of Europe’s most storied clubs, has left an indelible mark on the UEFA Champions League over the decades. Their journey through the elite competition is filled with triumphs, heartbreak and unforgettable moments.

With iconic players and tactical masterminds at the helm, Inter’s quest for continental glory has seen eras of brilliance and periods of drought. Their rich history in the tournament mirrors the highs and lows of European soccer itself.

From legendary nights under the San Siro lights to dramatic battles on foreign soil, their Champions League legacy is a tapestry woven with resilience and ambition. The number of trophies they’ve lifted tells only part of the story.

How many Champions League titles does Inter Milan have?

Inter Milan has clinched the UEFA Champions League title three times in its illustrious history. These victories place Inter among Europe’s elite clubs, sharing the record of three European Cup titles with Manchester United…

• 1963–64: In their debut European Cup season, Inter defeated Real Madrid 3–1 in the final, marking a significant achievement against a team featuring legends like Ferenc Puskás and Alfredo Di Stéfano.

• 1964–65: The following year, Inter secured back-to-back titles by overcoming Benfica 1–0, solidifying their dominance in European football during that era.

• 2009–10: After a 45-year hiatus, Inter, under José Mourinho’s management, achieved a historic treble by winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League, defeating Bayern Munich 2–0 in the final.

The road to glory: Inter’s Champions League journey

Inter Milan’s Champions League path has been anything but smooth — a tale of glorious highs, bitter defeats and long waits for redemption. Few clubs can claim such a dramatic relationship with Europe’s premier competition.

The Nerazzurri burst onto the continental scene in the 1960s, a decade that saw them rise as one of Europe’s true superpowers. Their consecutive titles in 1964 and 1965 under Helenio Herrera were not just trophies; they symbolized tactical innovation.

But after those triumphs, came the long wait. Despite domestic success, Inter’s ambitions often stumbled. They reached finals in 1967 and 1972 but fell short, with heartbreaks that stung for decades.

It wasn’t until José Mourinho arrived that the club’s European drought finally ended. In 2010, his Inter combined grit and flair, dismantling some of the continent’s biggest names en route to a famous treble.

Inter has reached six European Cup/Champions League finals, with three wins and three runner-up finishes. Beyond the finals, their nine semifinal appearances speak volumes about the club’s enduring place among the heavyweights.

Through tactical evolutions, managerial revolutions and the rise and fall of countless stars, Inter’s journey in the Champions League is one of constant reinvention. Each era has added a new layer to a rich European legacy.

[Watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid online in the US on Paramount+]

The most anticipated UEFA Champions League quarterfinal features a marquee clash between these two European heavyweights. Arsenal, enjoying one of their strongest seasons, are determined to break new ground and make a deep run in the competition.

Standing in their way is a powerhouse Real Madrid squad, widely seen as title favorites, led by star forward Kylian Mbappe. With a semifinal berth on the line, this showdown promises top-tier drama and elite-level soccer.

When will the Arsenal vs Real Madrid match be played?

Arsenal host Real Madrid this Tuesday, April 8, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. The game is set to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Arsenal vs Real Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM

CT: 2:00 PM

MT: 1:00 PM

PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Arsenal vs Real Madrid in the USA

Get ready for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid. Catch all the action live on Paramount+, with extended coverage also available on ViX, TUDN, DirecTV Stream.

“We couldn’t end the year on a better note than being surrounded by our fans. It’s incredible to feel their love and connection as we prepare for the second half of the season,” Kylian shared during an open training session held at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium within the Ciudad Deportiva complex.

“We want to create our own chapter in the great history of Real Madrid,” the French forward continued. “When you play for this club, you are expected to compete for every title and bring joy to the fans.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Mbappe revealed the team’s aspirations: “The goal is to be stronger and happier in 2025. Now, we focus on the Super Cup, and we will work hard to win it. We also want La Liga and the Champions League. Competing for every championship is our responsibility.”

Real Madrid’s packed agenda

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad faces a grueling start to 2025. They will kick off the year on Friday, January 3, with an away game against Valencia at Mestalla—a Matchday 12 fixture rescheduled from November. Just three days later, they will debut in the Copa del Rey against Deportivo Minera, a fifth-division side.

The first major test of the year will come in mid-January during the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid will take on Mallorca in the semifinals, aiming to reach the final against either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao. This competition offers the team their first opportunity to secure silverware in 2025.

Real Madrid’s key challenges in 2025

The Copa del Rey is one glaring omission from Real Madrid’s 2024 trophy cabinet after their elimination by Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16. Rectifying this misstep will undoubtedly be a priority for the club.

However, the main targets remain La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. In the Spanish league, Real Madrid currently trail Atletico Madrid by just one point, keeping the title race wide open. The European tournament poses the most significant challenge for Real Madrid, as their performance in the group stage has been inconsistent. They currently hold a precarious position, sitting just two points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Stuttgart, who remain outside the playoff qualification spots. With two games remaining, they must solidify their position to secure their place in the next round.

Di Maria made headlines this week after providing two crucial assists in Benfica’s 3-2 victory over Monaco on Matchday 5 of the Champions League initial stage. In the 84th minute, he delivered a pinpoint cross to Arthur, who headed home the equalizer. Moments later, Di Maria set up Zeki Amdouni for the winning goal, earning praise for his brilliant playmaking.

With these two assists, Angel has now accumulated 41 assists in the Champions League, matching the mark set by Lionel Messi. But what makes this achievement particularly significant is that Di Maria is now just one assist away from overtaking Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, who both share the record for most assists in the competition with 42.

Di Maria’s path to the record

Given that both Messi and Ronaldo are now playing on different continents and Ryan Giggs has retired, Di Maria has a clear path to surpassing them. The Argentine winger’s time advantage, combined with his form, puts him in an excellent position to claim the all-time assist record in Europe’s premier club competition.

That could happen very soon, as Benfica are guaranteed at least three more Champions League matches this season. However, given their current position, it’s highly likely they will play even more games, which would give Di Maria further opportunities to claim the record.

A vital win for Benfica

Di Maria’s performance was pivotal in Benfica’s win over Monaco, as it secured vital points for the Portuguese side in the Champions League standings. The win moved Benfica up to 13th place with 9 points, comfortably inside the qualification zone for the preliminary round. The result also brought them closer to direct qualification for the knockout stage, as they are now just one point away from securing a spot in the Round of 16.

Who has more assists: Messi or Ronaldo?

Although Cristiano Ronaldo holds a slight edge over Lionel Messi in Champions League assists (42 vs. 41), Messi far surpasses his rival when considering total career assists. The Argentine superstar has accumulated 380 assists across all competitions, while CR7 trails with 267, highlighting Leo’s playmaking prowess throughout his career.

The game took a challenging turn for the Spanish side early on, as Malick Thiaw put Milan ahead just 12 minutes into the first half. Rising to meet a corner from Christian Pulisic, Thiaw delivered a powerful header that left Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with no time to react.

Real Madrid responded in the 23rd minute when referee Slavko Vincic awarded a penalty for a foul by Emerson on Vinicius Jr. inside the box. The Brazilian winger stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick with an elegant Panenka-style finish, leveling the score and reigniting Madrid’s momentum.

However, Los Merengues’ hopes of turning the game around were short-lived. Just five minutes before halftime, Aurelien Tchouameni made a costly error, losing possession deep in his own half and allowing Rafael Leao a clear chance on goal. Though Lunin managed to make an initial save, Alvaro Morata pounced on the rebound to put Milan back in front, making it 2-1.

Vinicius Jr. shines bright for Real Madrid

Just days after narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri, Vinicius Jr. once again proved his elite status. Week after week, he delivers standout performances for Real Madrid, especially in the UEFA Champions League, where he has become a central figure in the Spanish giants’ campaign.

In this year’s UCL, Vinicius ranks second in the top scorers’ chart with four goals in as many matches. He trails only Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane by a single goal, though with a notable difference: while Kane has scored three of his goals from the penalty spot, Vinicius has netted all but one from open play.

It was AC Milan’s first win, moving them up to 21st place on a 1-2 start to the competition, and the American winger was influential not only on the goal but also by playing all over the field—from right and left wing to being a menace down the middle.

After the match, Christian Pulisic spoke to TNT Mexico and stayed humble amid a start to the season that has him at 7 goals and 3 assists in 11 games, in what could be a magical season for the USMNT star.

Christian Pulisic on His UCL Olimpico

Christian Pulisic was honest about his corner kick goal, stating it was a cross: “Of course it was a cross. I wanted to go strong to the near post; if it misses everyone, it’s a perfect cross. And if it goes to the goal, so, of course, it’s a cross and I got a bit lucky.”

When asked about his experience so far at Milan, Christian Pulisic expressed his happiness about the club and city he joined. In the last two games, the American has given interviews in Italian, really endearing himself to the Milan faithful, and he has become one of the most popular players at the club.

When asked if his olimpico was one of the best goals of his career, Christian Pulisic remained his usual introverted self: “For me, it was not a tough goal. It’s not common; I’m not going to sit here and say I tried to shoot and score. It was a good cross, though.”

Up next for AC Milan and Pulisic is a Saturday Serie A showdown with Bologna away from home.

Recently, the official Instagram account of Europe’s premier club competition shared a video of Neymar during his Paris Saint-Germain days, where he is seen juggling the Champions League‘s official ball in slow motion, displaying his trademark flair during warm-ups.

To the surprise of many fans, Neymar himself left a comment on the post, writing: “Miss me?,” alongside three playful emojis—a winking face and two open hands. The light-hearted message sparked an outpouring of reactions from followers, who flooded the post with replies expressing how much they miss the Brazilian star’s presence in European football.

Neymar’s comment garnered over 27,000 likes and more than 1,800 responses, with fans urging him to return to the UEFA Champions League and bring back the magic he once displayed on Europe’s grandest stage.

Neymar’s Champions League legacy

Neymar Jr. boasts a rich history in the UEFA Champions League, having made 81 appearances and scored 43 goals across ten campaigns. He first appeared in the tournament with Barcelona, joining the Spanish giants in 2013 from Brazil’s Santos FC. Neymar played a crucial role in Barcelona’s 2015 Champions League triumph, forming the iconic attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

In 2017, Neymar made headlines with his record-breaking $220 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, with the primary goal of leading the French club to their first-ever Champions League title. Despite his immense talent and the presence of stars like Kylian Mbappe—and later Messi—Neymar fell short of that objective. PSG’s closest attempt came in 2020, when they were defeated by Bayern Munich in the final.

Neymar’s expected return to the field

Neymar’s last official appearance came on October 17, 2023, during a World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Uruguay. Unfortunately, his participation was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury in his left knee, which required surgery and a long recovery.

Now, over a year later, Neymar is nearing full recovery, though he is still regaining his fitness and match sharpness. Al-Hilal‘s coach, Jorge Jesus, has opted for a cautious approach, ensuring the forward is not rushed back into action too soon.

On Friday, Neymar was spotted in the stands as Al-Hilal secured a 3-0 victory over Al-Feiha. It is anticipated that he could be included in the squad for the team’s upcoming match against Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage next Monday.

The reason Dortmund fans created this harsh banner is to stand in opposition to the new format of the UEFA Champions League and the future of European club soccer in general. The main banner also had two mini banners, one of which included a website leading fans to a site where they can understand the protest. This initiative has garnered support from a total of 20 supporters groups across Europe, who signed a statement expressing that the competition has become elitist and is focused on generating revenue rather than being a true sporting competition.

“Traveling across Europe with your own club and competing with the best: while for some, participation in international competitions is a constant in the club’s history, for others, a single participation is an absolute dream. However, the magic of European competitions is being increasingly devalued by UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA). With the imminent reform of UEFA’s club competitions next season, this magic is at risk of being completely lost,” the statement read.

Borussia Dortmund Protest UEFA Champions League

The second banner below the “Mafia” banner was a statement that read, “You don’t care about the sport; all you care about is the money.”

The unified protest also raised huge concerns over the congestion of the schedule in European soccer. “The increasing number of matches in competitions will push players and fans to their limits. The significant increase in revenue generated by the reforms also has the potential to destroy national competitions and pave the way for an imminent European Super League.”