Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius Jr will be the centre of attention when Real Madrid host Benfica on Wednesday night
Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr are likely to come head to head once again on Wednesday night in one of the major subplots that accompanies Real Madrid’s Champions League game with Benfica.
The Argentine flatly denies any wrongdoing and, according to the Portuguese press, gathered the entire Benfica squad together to express his remorse for the controversy caused but also to convey his innocence.
UEFA is investigating the claims but it is highly unlikely there will be a verdict – especially as it seems a difficult charge to prove – before Wednesday’s return in the Spanish capital.
Here, we examine some of the key talking points ahead of the game:
Will Prestianni play?
Assuming UEFA do not come to a quick decision, it will come down to Prestianni’s will to play at the Santiago Bernabeu and whether coach Jose Mourinho deems it a sensible call.
The noises in Portugal indicate Prestianni is keen and Mourinho is happy for the forward to take part. He missed the weekend win over AVS due to a domestic suspension but started the nine games before that.
What about Vinicius Jr?
There is nothing to suggest Vinicius Jr won’t also play. The 25-year-old started and scored in Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at Osasuna at the weekend and produced a combative display.
He may have been rested against Benfica had Madrid established a more decisive first-leg advantage but with the tie very much in the balance, he will be in the starting XI.
Vinícius Jr is an emotional character and Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa will be hoping he can keep his feelings in check and focus on helping his side into the round of 16.
Will there be a handshake between the pair?
There have been previous examples of players with personal issues not shaking hands before a game. Wayne Bridge and Luis Suarez refused the hand of John Terry and Patrice Evra, respectively, due to disagreements and we may well see similar happen here.
Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was very outspoken after the game in Lisbon and he may also have a personal grudge to settle with Prestianni.
Indeed, it may well be several of Madrid’s players opt to ignore Prestianni during the pre-match formalities.
What will the atmosphere be like at the Bernabeu?
Not normally renown as one of the most hostile grounds in Europe, the Bernabeu will be a cauldron if Prestianni plays. Expect the usual mix of boos and jeers every time he gets on the ball.
Vinicius Jr has not always had the best relationship with the Madrid fans but he is likely to be singled out for special adoration.
Will there be added security?
There has been no official announcement from Madrid regarding security but it seems inconceivable that special measures won’t be put in place. There is likely to be added security staff positioned around the pitch to ensure no incident occurs.
And what of Jose Mourinho?
Mourinho’s anticipated return to a club he helped to the 2012 Liga title has been overshadowed by the controversy. Mourinho himself has been criticised for his post-match remarks in which he suggested Vinicius Jr had over-celebrated his goal and the fact Benfica cannot be considered a racist club due to its legendary former player Eusebio.
Mourinho received a red card in the first leg so won’t be able to sit in the dugout. He has watched games from the team hotel when suspended previously but reports this morning suggest he will be at the ground. It is believed one of his assistants, Joao Tralhao, will carry out the pre-match media duties.
