Real Madrid News
Official: Gianluca Prestianni hit with six-match ban by UEFA over Vinicius incident
Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-match suspension by UEFA following his incident with Vinicius Jr. during the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off between SL Benfica and Real Madrid in Lisbon.
During the game, moments after Vinicius had found the back of the net, Prestianni, covering his mouth, said something towards the Brazilian, which sparked a strong reaction from the player and his Real Madrid teammates.
Vinicius complained to the referee claiming that the Argentine had called him a ‘m**key’, leading to the match official activating the anti-racism protocol and the match getting halted for some time.
After the match, the Brazilian declared in public that he was racially abused and was backed by Kylian Mbappe, while receiving widespread support from across the globe.
Prestianni, for his part, maintained that he had not hurled racist abuse at the 25-year-old and claimed that he had insulted him with a homophobic slur.
Six-match ban for Prestianni
Now, UEFA has suspended the Benfica player for six matches for insulting Vinicius.
However, the punishment has not been imposed for alleged racist abuse, but for homophobic insults, which the player admitted making.
UEFA has also requested that FIFA extend the sanction worldwide, meaning he could miss the upcoming World Cup this summer.
The sanction states verbatim: “- To suspend SL Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni for a total of six official UEFA club and/or national team matches in which he might otherwise participate, for discriminatory (i.e., homophobic) conduct.
“The suspension for three of these matches is subject to a probationary period of two years, starting from the date of this decision.”
” – This decision (i.e., the six-match suspension) includes the provisional one-match suspension that the player already served during the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League knockout stage playoff match played on February 25, 2026 between Real Madrid CF and SL Benfica.
“- Request that FIFA extend the aforementioned suspension worldwide.”
If FIFA accepts the UEFA Disciplinary Committee’s suggestion and extends the suspension globally, Prestianni would end up missing the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
