Prestianni hears unwelcome news just hours before Real Madrid v Benfica | OneFootball

The atmosphere in Madrid heated up in the hours leading up to the clash between Real Madrid and Benfica. Gianluca Prestianni was subjected to insults as he left the hotel where the Benfica team is staying, by fans of the merengue club.

As the Argentine winger was heading to the team bus, a group of individuals broke through the security cordon set up at the location and directed aggressive words at the player. "Racist!" was the most heard shout among the dozens of people in the vicinity.

The player, who is preventively suspended by UEFA following the accusation of racism related to the first leg match, did not react to the provocations. He went silently into the bus, under the immediate protection of the Clube da Luz security personnel.

The incident arises in a context of high media and emotional pressure. Benfica's trip to the Spanish capital is being followed with special attention, after the controversy that marked the first leg match at Luz.

The second leg of the playoff for access to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 takes place in a setting that promises intensity both on and off the field. The atmosphere in Madrid is one of great tension, with all eyes on a clash that goes beyond the purely sporting dimension.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.