Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni remains unavailable for the Champions League playoff match against Real Madrid.

As UEFA informs, the Portuguese club’s appeal was dismissed, and the Grave’s immediate disqualification was overturned..

The Argentine footballer was called out by racist slurs at the address of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior at the hour of the first match.. After the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethical and Disciplinary Body, Benfica tried to punish the victim, but to no avail.

The UEFA statement reads:

“The appeal filed by Benfica has been accepted. Apparently, the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethical and Disciplinary Body dated 23 February 2026 has been confirmed. Mr. Gianluca Prestianni is immediately sidelined from participating in the upcoming match of the UEFA clubs, who have the right to play under other circumstances."

In this manner, the side is now deprived of decorum, and Prestianni will not be able to enter the Santiago Bernabeu field in the match against Real Madrid.