The Champions League clash in Lisbon stretched deep into a tense and emotional night. What started as a playoff encounter that Real Madrid ultimately won concluded amid controversy over a possible racist incident involving Prestianni and Vinicius. The episode quickly went viral and reignited debate across television panels and football programs.

On CBS Sports, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards strongly condemned what occurred at the Estádio da Luz between the Benfica and Real Madrid players. “Gianluca Prestianni, tell us what you said. Be a man. Why are you covering your mouth with your shirt? Is it because it’s cold?” Henry said on CBS Sports. Richards was equally direct, stating that Prestianni “is a coward. Vinicius Junior wouldn’t lie.”

Henry also questioned whether the match would have been stopped over a celebration and delivered a heartfelt reflection that lasted several minutes. “I identify with what Vinicius Jr. is going through. Sometimes you feel alone because it's your word against his,” the former striker explained.

On Prime Video Sport UK, Clarence Seedorf addressed the controversy and stressed the broader context. “I think the fact that Vini has been going through a difficult time in Spain for many years cannot be ignored… We have to make it clear that there is no justification for racist abuse: there is no place for it,” he said.

Wesley Sneijder also weighed in while speaking on Ziggo Sport. “Prestianni should be a man and not cover his mouth when saying that to Vinicius. If you're going to say it, at least say it without covering your mouth… It's outrageous that people still call black people 'monkeys'! … Oh, and one more thing… Prestianni has black teammates! What are they thinking?” he commented.

After the final whistle and subsequent interviews, Jamie Carragher criticized Mourinho’s remarks, in which the coach suggested that Vinicius had provoked the stadium following his goal. “Anyone can celebrate however they want, and Vinicius shouldn't be subjected to racial abuse. It seems a bit hypocritical coming from Mourinho, a man who has celebrated and possibly antagonized his rivals more than any other manager in the past. I remember Mourinho, in a cup final against Liverpool, when Chelsea scored a late goal, telling the Liverpool fans to shut up.”

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