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Journalist Totally Off the Mark with Reaction to UEFA Suspending Gianluca Prestianni

Journalist Totally Off the Mark with Reaction to UEFA Suspending Gianluca Prestianni

It's over a week since UEFA began its investigation into the alleged racist abuse suffered by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. It happened in the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Benfica at the Estádio da Luz.

Thibaut Courtois News / ESPN / February 24

Courtois: Vinícius Jr. didn't do anything wrong

Thibaut Courtois was "disappointed" by José Mourinho's claim that Vinícius Júnior's goal celebration led to the star being allegedly racially abused.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / February 24

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois disappointed by Benfica manager – ‘Mourinho is Mourinho’

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has criticised Jose Mourinho’s handling of the alleged racial abuse from Gianluca Prestianni towards Vinicius Junior last week.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / February 24

Alvaro Arbeloa avoids criticising Jose Mourinho – ‘I stand by what I said in Lisbon’

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa would be not be drawn into criticising the words of his former manager and mentor Jose Mourinho, after the Benfica manager questioned why Vinicius Junior celebrated as he did in Lisbon last week.

Real Madrid News / ESPN / February 24

Back at the Bernabéu: Could Mourinho ever return to coach Real Madrid again?

Wednesday's clash isn't just a chance for José Mourinho's Benfica to eliminate Real Madrid from the Champions League. It might also be an audition.

Real Madrid News / Real Madrid CF on SI / February 24
Real Madrid vs Benfica Preview: Start Time, Team News & Odds

Real Madrid vs Benfica Preview: Start Time, Team News & Odds

It's the second leg of the Champions League playoff, and Real Madrid are looking to book their place in the Round of 16. They hold a 1-0 lead against Benfica after their solid performance in Lisbon, and will be the favorites to advance.

Soccer News / ESPN / February 24

Transfer rumors, news: Liverpool, Man United, Real Madrid keen on Van de Ven

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid. Transfer Talk has the latest.

Real Madrid News / The 4th Official / February 23

Huijsen, Rudiger And Alexander-Arnold To Start | 4-4-2 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Benfica

Real Madrid will entertain Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium this Wednesday night as they look to secure a good result in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff clash.

Real Madrid News / Soccer on ClutchPoints / February 23
Benfica player suspended after Vinícius Júnior allegations

Benfica player suspended after Vinícius Júnior allegations

The UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs turned controversial during a match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid when Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Vinicius Junior.

Real Madrid News / Real Madrid CF on SI / February 23
Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni Out of Champions League Playoff Against Real Madrid

Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni Out of Champions League Playoff Against Real Madrid

The second leg of the Champions League playoff takes place at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid, holding a 1-0 lead over Benfica after last week's game. The game was decided by a brilliant goal from Vinicius Jr., but that was not the biggest talking point from the game, unfortunately.

Eduardo Camavinga News / Essential Football / February 23
Man Utd ‘Want’ Real Madrid Ace Who Is Also Liverpool Target

Man Utd ‘Want’ Real Madrid Ace Who Is Also Liverpool Target

Manchester United are already planning ahead for the summer transfer window. They have seemingly identified a top target – none other than Real Madrid and France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

Real Madrid News / ESPN / February 23

Benfica's Prestianni suspended for Madrid tie

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for Wednesday's Champions League match against Real Madrid following the incident with Vinicius Junior in last week's first leg.

Alvaro Arbeloa News / Real Madrid CF on SI / February 23
Real Madrid Player Close to Contract Agreement After Recent Internal Shift

Real Madrid Player Close to Contract Agreement After Recent Internal Shift

It was a tough weekend for Real Madrid as their loss to Osasuna and Barcelona's win over Levante saw them replaced at the top of the La Liga table. It was the first league defeat since Alvaro Arbeloa took charge, and the first time they have not won a La Liga game in 2026.

Real Madrid News / Athlon Sports / February 23
UEFA Announces Punishment Decision In Vinicius Jr. vs. Gianluca Prestianni Incident

UEFA Announces Punishment Decision In Vinicius Jr. vs. Gianluca Prestianni Incident

The second leg between Real Madrid and Benfica will be played this week, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Last week, Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1-0 in the first leg away in Lisbon, Portugal.

Vinicius Junior News / Football Espana / February 23

UEFA suspend Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni amid Vinicius Junior racism investigation

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni will not feel the wrath of the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night in the return leg of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, after UEFA announced his suspension.

Jude Bellingham News / ESPN / February 23

Sources: Madrid expect April return for Bellingham

Real Madrid are confident that star man Jude Bellingham and centre-back Éder Militão will return to the first team by the start of April, sources told ESPN.

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Real Madrid News / Football Espana / February 23

Real Madrid stalwart losing battle to earn new contract

Real Madrid have a number of big decisions to make between now and the summer, especially in regards to contracts. Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger all see their current deals expire at the end of the season, and at this stage, it is very uncertain whether they will be offered the chance to remain at the Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe News / Football Espana / February 23

PSG concede defeat to Kylian Mbappe in €61m legal case

Over the last 12 months, Kylian Mbappe has been embroiled in a legal battle with former club Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old has claimed that he is owed unpaid bonuses, and in December, the Preud’homme Court ruled in favour of the Real Madrid striker.

Real Madrid News / Football Espana / February 23

Real Madrid criticised over handling of forward player – 'They are killing him'

Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Osasuna, and despite needing a goal in the closing stages, they did not turn to Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old, who signed last summer for a fee of €45m, has not played a single minutes in Los Blancos’ last three matches, which has confused supporters and pundits alike.

Soccer News / The 4th Official / February 21

Liverpool Gunning For This €90m Real Madrid Star: Do The Reds Need Him?

Recent reports from the Spanish outlet Fichajes suggest Liverpool are seriously looking at Real Madrid’s Arda Guler. The club are gearing up for a major rebuild this summer.

Thibaut Courtois News / HITC / February 20
Senne Lammens reveals why Thibaut Courtois stands out from every other keeper in the world

Senne Lammens reveals why Thibaut Courtois stands out from every other keeper in the world

Manchester United’s Senne Lammens has opened up about the impact Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has had on his early development. Lammens made the move to England in the summer of 2025, joining United from Royal Antwerp.

Real Madrid News / Caught Offside / February 19
Real Madrid eager to move into pole position to sign €40m Tottenham star with 0 appearances

Real Madrid eager to move into pole position to sign €40m Tottenham star with 0 appearances

Real Madrid are reportedly really keen on a potential transfer deal for highly-rated Tottenham wonderkid Luka Vuskovic. The talented young Croatian centre-back has shone on loan in the Bundesliga with Hamburg this season, and is quickly earning comparisons with some of the game’s greats.

Real Madrid News / Extratime Talk / February 19
Anti-Racism Football Protocol: Four Shocking Flaws That Left Vinícius Without Justice

Anti-Racism Football Protocol: Four Shocking Flaws That Left Vinícius Without Justice

The anti-racism football protocol coming into play isn’t something fans want to see on the pitch, yet it has become a recurring nightmare for Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappe News / HITC / February 18
Kylian Mbappe has a message for Vinicius Jr. after Gianluca Prestianni’s controversial moment

Kylian Mbappe has a message for Vinicius Jr. after Gianluca Prestianni’s controversial moment

Kylian Mbappe has fired a message at teammate Vinicius Jr. following the controversy surrounding a heated moment with Gianluca Prestianni during Real Madrid’s recent Champions League win over Benfica.

Jose Mourinho News / HITC / February 18
Jose Mourinho claims he was given a red card for accusing referee of bias towards Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho claims he was given a red card for accusing referee of bias towards Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho claimed he was shown a red card after accusing the referee of protecting Real Madrid players during their Champions League clash with Benfica.

Alvaro Arbeloa News / Real Madrid CF on SI / February 17
Transcript: Alvaro Arbeloa Backs Vinicius Jr. After Real Madrid's Loss to Benfica

Transcript: Alvaro Arbeloa Backs Vinicius Jr. After Real Madrid's Loss to Benfica

It was a 1-0 win for Real Madrid against Benfica in the first leg of the Champions League playoff, but it was a game that was unfortunately marred by a reported incident of racism directed at Los Blancos player Vinicius Jr.

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