Joao Tralhao: Benfica's Identity Doesn't Depend on Prestianni

Benfica's Tralhao keeps mum on Prestianni's suspension

Benfica assistant coach Joao Tralhao declines to comment on Gianluca Prestianni's suspension ahead of Champions League playoff against Real Madrid.

“What we can say is that, regardless of the player on the pitch, we have an identity - a clear identity...”

Benfica's assistant coach, Joao Tralhao, is keeping mum about the suspension of winger Gianluca Prestianni ahead of their Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid. Prestianni was suspended for one match by UEFA after being accused of directing a racist slur at Real Madrid's Vinicius 

Jr during the first leg in Lisbon.

Tralhao emphasized that Benfica's identity isn't tied to any individual player, stating, “We have an identity — a clear identity... whether player A plays or player B plays, we maintain the same profile.” The team will be without head coach Jose Mourinho, who's suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.

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— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) February 24, 2026

The 20-year-old Argentine winger, denied allegations of making a homophobic comment, claiming Vinicius misunderstood what he said. Real midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni supported him, stating that he had admitted to making a remark, but it wasn't homophobic. “We are not going to talk about the topic you asked about,” coach Carlo Ancelotti said at a press conference on Tuesday wasn't mentioned, instead, it was Tralhao who said this.

“What we can say is that, regardless of the player on the pitch, we have an identity - a clear identity... whether player A plays or player B plays, we maintain the same profile.”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is calling out racism and homophobia, saying they're “just as serious” and shouldn't be tolerated. He's also slammed Benfica fans for making monkey gestures during the first leg, calling it “deplorable” and “shameful.” Courtois defended Vinicius' goal celebration, saying it was harmless. 

“I've also seen the images from the Benfica stand during the match and I think it's deplorable to see that in a stadium,” Courtois said. “You may like a player more or less, but making those gestures is shameful.”

Benfica midfielder Fredrik Aursnes described the past week as “a little bit different,” adding to the tension ahead of the match. “It's like a final tomorrow. We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium,” Aursnes said.

“It's like a final tomorrow. We have to win against an amazing team in a difficult stadium,” the 30-year-old Norwegian added.

Benfica's head coach, Jose Mourinho, won't be on the bench for tonight's Champions League playoff against Real Madrid due to a suspension. He received a red card in the first leg for arguing with the referee. Mourinho had previously sparked controversy by suggesting Vinicius Jr's goal celebration provoked the Benfica crowd.

Mourinho led training on Tuesday, where suspended player Gianluca Prestianni participated, but he'll miss the match due to a one-game ban for alleged discriminatory behavior. Assistant coach Joao Tralhao will take charge in Mourinho's absence.

“I don’t know where he (Mourinho) ​will be. We prepared for this match, anticipating every scenario that ‌may happen... From our side, as staff, we prepared the team, we prepared all the scenarios so that tomorrow we can perform at our level,” Tralhao said.

UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, following an incident involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during their Champions League playoff match. Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one match, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The incident occurred after Vinicius scored a goal and celebrated, prompting Prestianni to allegedly make a racist comment. Vinicius reported the incident, and the match was halted for 10 minutes as UEFA's anti-racism protocol was activated.