The match between Real Madrid and Benfica, for the first phase of the UEFA Champions League playoffs, left much to ponder. However, Kylian Mbappe made it very clear what the priority should be for European football authorities: banning Gianluca Prestianni from the continental competition.
The first leg for a place in the Champions League round of 16 was a defensive stalemate at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, which Madrid won by a narrow 1-0 margin.
With Real Madrid trying to put their questionable end to the group stage behind them and Benfica trying to assert their dominance on home turf, the game became quite heated.
The match was decided by a goal from Vinicius Junior in the 50th minute, and that’s when chaos erupted. Prestianni allegedly directed racist insults at Vinicius, provoking angry reactions from all sides.
Mbappé demands UEFA suspend Prestianni
In statements after the game in Lisbon, Mbappé harshly criticized the young Argentine forward. “Prestianni should never play in the Champions League again,” the French striker declared.
We have to set an example for all the children who look up to us. There are things we can’t accept,
However, he made it very clear that he has nothing against Benfica.
Although he described the team as one of the best in history, he also stressed, “This kid Prestianni does not deserve to play in the Champions League anymore.”
He assured that the Real Madrid locker room supports Vinicius. “Whatever he wants to do, we’ll do it as a team. We’ll never leave Vini alone. We’ve supported our player. If something like that happens to you, how would you feel?”
Kylian Mbappé condemns Prestianni’s words
In his press conference, Mbappé recounted what had happened on the pitch
After Vini’s goal and celebration, Benfica’s 25th, I won’t say his name because he doesn’t deserve to have his name said, he started using some unacceptable words.
Indignant, the Real Madrid striker explained, “He called Vini a monkey five times. Five times! You have the best cameras. Analyze his face. He covered his face so we can’t read his lips. His face doesn’t lie.”
Finally, he was scathing, saying, “This guy is not my fellow professional. Not this type of human being.”
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