UEFA suspends Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for 6 games

UEFA has announced the suspension of Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following an incident against Real Madrid's Vinicious Junior in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off in February 2026. The 20-year-old Argentine was found guilty today of homophobic discriminatory conduct.

Vinicius had alleged he was subjected to racist abuse,  with teammate Kylian Mbappe claiming to have overheard the repeated insults. The match was halted briefly amid the claims. Prestianni denied using racial slurs towards anyone and in his meeting with UEFA admitted the words used were homophobic rather than racist.

After completing their investigation UEFA handed Prestianni a six-match ban for homophobic conduct. Three of those matches are suspended subject to a two-year probationary period. Prestianni has already served one game, having missed the second leg against Real Madrid and will be subject to sit two more UEFA matches. 

Benfica interested in Palmeiras striker for summer move

Benfica have emerged as serious contenders for Palmeiras striker Flaco Lopez, with reports indicating the Portuguese club is weighing a summer move for the 25-year-old Argentine striker as Jose Mourinho is said to be a big fan of the player.

Under Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras, Lopez has flourished as a versatile centre-forward capable of dropping deep or leading the line. His impressive form has caught the eye of European scouts, positioning him as a potential reinforcement for Benfica’s attack. Palmeiras value Flaco very highly and are said to want as much as €40 million to move on for the player, reflecting his contract until 2029 and strong recent performances.

Interest in Flaco Lopez extends beyond Benfica, with Bologna and Atletico Madrid also monitoring the striker, while Premier League sides like Brentford and Everton have made enquiries, highlighting his growing reputation across Europe. In 2026, Flaco has scored 9 goals and provided 6 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions, including solid contributions in the Serie A Brasileiro and the Copa Libertadores.

Last Season Flaco had an excellent campaign with 25 goals and 6 assists in 64 matches, cementing his status as one of South America’s rising strikers and earning his first call up to Argentina's national side in October 2025. With his physical presence, finishing, and link-up play, Flaco Lopez could be a smart addition for Benfica if they meet Palmeiras’ valuation. A move to Europe seems likely with a destination still unknown.

Benfica get a major victory over Sporting in Lisbon Derby

In a pulsating Lisbon Derby at Estadio Jose Alvalade today, Benfica delivered a dramatic 2-1 victory over hosts Sporting in Portuguese League action, dealing a significant blow to the Lions' title hopes while reigniting their own challenge to catch Sporting for second spot.

The match began with high tension. Luis Suarez missed a penalty for Sporting in the 19th minute, but the visitors quickly recovered. Andreas Schjelderup stepped up confidently from the spot in the 27th minute, slotting home to give Benfica a 1-0 halftime lead after a composed finish under pressure. Sporting dominated possession in the second half and found an equalizer in the 72nd minute when Hidemasa Morita rose to head home a precise cross, sending the home crowd into frenzy and leveling the score at 1-1.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Benfica produced a moment of magic. In the 93rd minute, just after a Sporting goal was ruled offside, Rafa Silva produced a moment of magic, latching onto a pass from Leandro Barreiro and firing a clinical strike past the Sporting goalkeeper to secure a 2-1 win. The late goal sparked wild celebrations among the visiting Benfica faithful. The result left Benfica in strong contention to fight for a spot in Champions League play, while Sporting, despite a spirited display, suffered a heartbreaking home defeat in one of Portuguese football's fiercest rivalries.

This result adds another thrilling chapter to the Lisbon Derby, with Benfica finally proving their mettle in a high-stakes clash. Mourinho's tactical discipline and late-game opportunism proved decisive in a match that will be remembered for its late game drama and Rafa's heroics.