UEFA has fined Benfica €40,000 for racist chants during their Champions League match against Real Madrid. The Portuguese club faces a one-year probation period to avoid partial stadium closure at future European games. Gianluca Prestianni allegedly racially abused Vinícius Júnior during the February 17 fixture that Madrid won 1-0. The game stopped for 10 minutes after the incident.

Prestianni reportedly called Vinícius "monkey" after the Brazilian scored and celebrated in front of Benfica supporters. The Argentina winger pulled his jersey over his mouth during the alleged insult. UEFA suspended Prestianni from the second leg while investigating him for a potential 10-game ban from European competition. Benfica previously suspended five fans for similar racist behavior.

Television images captured fans making monkey gestures following Madrid's victory in the Champions League knockout playoff round. UEFA continues its investigation into Prestianni as European football's governing body intensifies efforts to combat racism. Benfica must now demonstrate improved fan behavior to avoid additional sanctions from UEFA.