Feb 25 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

Prestianni Travels and Mourinho Remains Silent Before Real Madrid - Benfica Embroiled in Racism Allegation

The Benfica player under sanction trains at the Bernabéu while Mourinho, expelled in the first leg, chooses not to speak ahead of the decisive match against Real Madrid.

The upcoming Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica has been overshadowed by allegations of racism involving the Portuguese club's player, Prestianni. The player, who is currently under sanction, has continued to train at Real Madrid's Bernabéu Stadium as Benfica seeks to contest the decision. Meanwhile, Benfica's coach, José Mourinho, who was expelled during the first leg in Lisbon where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory, opted to forego the mandatory pre-match press conference, further intensifying speculation around the ongoing situation.

Mourinho's absence from the press briefing has prompted various interpretations regarding his strategy and the controversy surrounding the racism allegations. Benfica's spokesperson confirmed that the coach would not comment on either subject, stating, "We are not going to talk about the issue." This silence from Mourinho and the club comes at a time when the pressure is mounting for Benfica to respond adequately to serious accusations that could impact its reputation and standing in European football.

As the Champions League knockout stage looms and Benfica seeks to overturn the 0-1 scoreline, the broader implications of this incident not only affect the immediate match but also raise questions about the club's handling of racism in football. Such challenges underscore the necessity of addressing systemic issues within the sport, reminding all involved in football — players, clubs, and fans alike — that racism has no place in the game.

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