No Filter: Prestianni’s Explosive Response to UEFA That He Quickly Deleted
The Argentine was not included in either the starting lineup or the bench for Benfica’s match against Real Madrid.
The buildup to the highly anticipated Real Madrid vs. Benfica clash just took a turn for the dramatic, and as usual in the modern game, the spark was ignited on social media. Gianluca Prestianni, Benfica’s young Argentine sensation who was already the center of a disciplinary storm, found himself in the eye of a hurricane following a "heat of the moment" post on X (formerly Twitter).
Though the post was deleted within minutes, the digital footprint remained, adding a layer of explosive tension to an already volatile European night.
The Post That Set the Internet Ablaze
The controversy began when a video started circulating on social media showing an off-the-ball incident from the first leg in Lisbon. In the clip, a Real Madrid player appeared to strike a Benfica man—an action that went unpunished by the officiating crew.
Prestianni, clearly frustrated by his own provisional suspension and the perceived injustice of the tie, couldn't stay silent. He replied to the video with a biting, critical message questioning the UEFA disciplinary standards. His tone suggested a clear "double standard," implying that the rules seemed to apply differently when a "Galáctico" was involved.
The post lasted barely two minutes. Whether it was a moment of clarity or a panicked call from Benfica’s PR department, the young winger hit delete. However, in the era of high-stakes football, two minutes is an eternity. Screenshots were taken, and the "ghost post" went viral instantly.
Viral Fallout: A Divided Fanbase
Despite its short lifespan, the message acted as gasoline on an open flame.
The Support: Thousands of Benfica fans and neutral observers rallied behind Prestianni, praising him for "speaking the truth" and standing up against the footballing establishment.
The Criticism: On the other side, Madridistas and pundits labeled the move as "immature" and "reckless," arguing that a player already under investigation for alleged racial slurs should be the last person questioning UEFA’s integrity.
This digital outburst occurred at the worst possible moment. Just hours later, UEFA officially rejected Benfica’s appeal, confirming that Prestianni would indeed be barred from stepping onto the pitch at the Santiago Bernabéu. The timing of the post made it look like an act of pure, unbridled frustration from a player who realized his European dream for the season was slipping away.
A Hard Lesson in the Modern Game
For a young star like Prestianni, the pressure of a Champions League knockout stage is immense. This episode serves as a stark reminder that in 2026, a single "click" can cause an international scandal.
By the time the teams arrived at the stadium, the conversation had shifted from tactics and formations to the psychological state of Benfica’s squad. Prestianni’s "spicy" message didn't just target UEFA; it inadvertently painted a target on his teammates' backs, as they now have to face a Bernabéu crowd that is even more hostile than before.
In the end, Prestianni's deleted post proved one thing: the battle between Real Madrid and Benfica is being fought in the headlines, on the screens, and in the minds of the players long before the first whistle blows.
