Real Madrid vs Benfica live: Huge Mbappe blow for Madrid and Uefa verdict on Prestianni ban after racism storm | OneFootball

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Real Madrid take on Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round play-off tie tonight, with the hosts holding a slender lead after their 1-0 win in the reverse fixture.

The first leg was marred by controversy over the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior by Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, with the Argentine now banned for this match while under investigation by Uefa.

The controversy has continued in the build-up to the second leg – with Benfica boss Jose Mourinho refusing to hold a pre-match conference – and the most recent on-pitch development has seen Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the match ahead of kick-off.

And while plenty of eyes will be on the Bernabeu tonight for non-footballing reasons, there is plenty still to play for on the pitch, with the winner of the tie facing either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the round of 16 later this month.

Will Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni play against Real Madrid tonight?

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni is suspended for tonight’s match against Real Madrid while Uefa investigates allegations that the 20-year-old racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr the first leg of their Champions League play-off last week.

Prestianni was seen holding his shirt over his mouth during a heated exchange with Madrid players following Vinicius’s second-half goal in Lisbon. The Brazilian winger rushed to the referee to report what he claimed was racist abuse.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 18:10

Team news

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is suspended, while Alvaro Arbeloa is also without the injured Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos. Dean Huijsen is a doubt.

Chris Wilson25 February 2026 17:37