Tension is building ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial European night, and this time it goes beyond tactics.
According to a report from El Chiringuito TV, several Real Madrid players are especially motivated to face Benfica, with emotions still running high over the alleged racism incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from the recent clash between Vinicius and Prestianni, which sparked serious allegations and disciplinary proceedings.
While UEFA continues to review the matter, uncertainty remains around whether the Benfica midfielder will be eligible to feature in the second leg.
What’s the situation now?
Under Article 49 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Code, provisional measures allow for a potential 90-day suspension if the investigator has not yet delivered a final ruling on extraordinary disciplinary proceedings.
As things stand, Prestianni is provisionally suspended for the decisive encounter. However, Benfica have appealed against the decision.
Despite the provisional suspension, the Portuguese side are expected to include Prestianni in their travelling squad to Madrid.
Gianluca Prestianni is provisionally suspended. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
This means that if UEFA’s Appeals Committee overturn the suspension, the midfielder could feature at the Santiago Bernabeu.
If that scenario unfolds, the atmosphere is likely to intensify significantly.
Inside the Real Madrid camp, the situation has not been forgotten. Vinicius, who has often found himself at the centre of heated exchanges in high-stakes matches, will once again be under the spotlight.
His teammates, according to reports, are standing behind him and see the upcoming fixture as an opportunity to respond on the pitch.
Now, with disciplinary uncertainty and unresolved tension in the background, the encounter promises to be even more charged.
Everything now depends on UEFA’s final decision. If Prestianni remains suspended, the focus will shift purely to football.
But if the appeal is successful and he steps onto the Bernabeu turf, expect an electric night where emotions could boil over.