During the Champions League playoff match between Benfica and Real Madrid, which ended with a 1-0 victory for the latter, a significant controversy erupted surrounding Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jr. After the Brazilian scored, he celebrated with a dance near the corner flag, which led to a heated exchange with Prestianni. Following the incident, Vinícius claimed that Prestianni had shouted a racist comment at him, specifically calling him a 'monkey'. This accusation brought considerable attention to the already tense match, overshadowing the on-field action and leading to a temporary halt in play.

The match officials, led by referee Francois Letexier, took the allegation seriously and consulted with both players before allowing the match to resume after a pause of nearly ten minutes. This incident is a significant point of discussion within the sport, as it raises broader issues of racism in football, especially considering the high-profile nature of the players involved and the visibility of the Champions League.

As a result of this incident, Prestianni now faces potential sanctions from the governing bodies overseeing the Champions League. The implications of such accusations can be severe, potentially affecting players' careers and the clubs they represent. The situation also highlights the ongoing battle against racism in sports and the need for stricter measures to address such behavior in football.