Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has backed Vinicius Jr. after he claimed he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni. The 20-year-old forward faces a potential 10-match ban if found guilty of racial abuse in UEFA's disciplinary code. UEFA will investigate after Vinícius Júnior accused Gianluca Prestianni of racism. Getty"A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 knockout playoff between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026," a UEFA statement said. Speaking to reporters after the game, Mbappé said he "really hurt for Vinícius" while demanded that action be taken against Prestianni.