Real Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout round play-off on February 17, 2026, at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. During the match, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was involved in a heated exchange with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. UEFA later announced a six-match ban for Prestianni, citing discriminatory conduct of a homophobic nature during the encounter. Three of the six matches have been suspended for a two-year probationary period. The sanction applies specifically to UEFA club competitions and will take effect immediately. No physical contact was reported between the players during the incident. Prestianni, an Argentine forward wearing the number 25 jersey, has not publicly commented on the decision. The second leg of the tie is scheduled to take place at Real Madrid's home ground later in February.
A six-match ban for homophobic conduct marks a rare disciplinary escalation over on-field language in UEFA competitions. The punishment suggests that verbal actions without physical contact can still carry severe consequences under UEFA's conduct policies. No African or Nigerian players were involved in the incident or disciplinary outcome.
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