Prestiani traveled with Benfica to Madrid

Benfica player Gianluca Prestiani traveled to Madrid with his teammates today for the second leg of their Champions League play-off against Real Madrid, despite being temporarily suspended for allegedly racially abusing Spanish team player Vinicius Junior.

The European Football Association (Uefa) has launched an investigation into allegations of discriminatory behavior during last Tuesday's match in Lisbon, and following a decision by the European football body's Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Prestiani was suspended for one match, for the second leg.

Benfica have said they will appeal their player's provisional suspension, even though the controversial deadlines mean it is unlikely to have any practical effect on the return leg, which is scheduled for 21pm on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

If the appeal is upheld, Prestiani could play against Real Madrid, Sky reported.

Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon last Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 play-off, with Vinicius scoring the winning goal in the 50th minute.

The Brazilian striker celebrated the goal by dancing with Benfica's corner flag, which upset the Portuguese team's fans and players.

Benfica fans then began throwing bottles and other objects at Real Madrid players.

After Prestiani clashed with him, Vinicius accused the Argentine player of calling him a "monkey." Prestiani covered his mouth with his shirt when addressing Vinicius. The Brazilian refused to continue the match, which was stopped for 10 minutes as a result.

Prestiani denied that he racially abused Vinicius and said that the Real Madrid forward misunderstood what he said to him. Benfica players said after the match that their teammate provoked Vinicius, but that he did not racially abuse him.

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho was sent off in the 85th minute for protesting, and after the match he supported Prestigio and criticized Vinicius for the way he celebrated the goal.

As reported by Sky, Mourinho will take advantage of the UEFA rule that a suspended coach does not have to speak to the media ahead of the next match, so all media duties will be carried out by his assistant.