Gianluca Prestianni, the Benfica midfielder, posted on Instagram to deny claims that he used racist insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. He said the Brazilian misinterpreted words he thought he heard and that he has never been racist, adding that he regrets the threats he received from Real Madrid players.
Mbappé defended Junior, saying he heard Prestianni call him "Mono" five times, while Junior criticized UEFA’s protocol. The two clubs will meet again on Wednesday, with Real Madrid holding a 1‑0 advantage from the first leg.