Atlético de Madrid has shared their starting lineup for an upcoming match, using a simple yet effective emoji to convey their passion. The post, published on February 18, 2026, features a visual element along with the text “El once ❤️🤍”.

El once ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/Q4vlpVbbHK

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) February 18, 2026

Your Rossoneri starters tonight 👊

Brought to you by 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗵𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗿𝗲 pic.twitter.com/OPHDnjs9u2

— AC Milan (@acmilan) February 18, 2026

Kylian Mbappé to TNT Sports: “I believe Gianluca Prestianni shouldn’t come to the Bernabéu, the best stadium in the world”.

“He doesn’t deserve it, he shouldn’t play”.

Mark Clattenburg has drawn fierce criticism from anti-discrimination groups after suggesting Vinícius Júnior was responsible for complicating the match following his report of alleged racial abuse by Gianluca Prestianni.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg is facing calls for his dismissal from broadcasting after claiming Vinícius Júnior “has not helped himself” following allegations of racial abuse.

Punditing for Amazon Prime, Clattenburg suggested the Brazilian’s celebration and decision to report the incident made life difficult for the referee.

Anti-discrimination campaigners, including Kick It Out, have condemned the remarks as a form of “gaslighting.”

Campaigner Troy Townsend led the outcry, stating Clattenburg “should never be involved in commentary again” after the controversial Champions League broadcast.

While UEFA investigates the alleged slur by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, Clattenburg maintains the forward should have simply returned to his half.

Defending his stance, the referee told viewers, “Vinícius Júnior has not helped himself. He’s made this difficult for the referee.”

Knockout phase play-off first legs ⚽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/VSbAfVI6Pi

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2026

Gianluca Prestianni faces a potential ten-game ban and Benfica a massive fine as FIFA investigates allegations of racial misconduct directed at Vinícius Júnior.

Gianluca Prestianni could be sidelined for up to ten matches if found guilty of racially abusing Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday’s Champions League fixture.

FIFA’s investigation is currently reviewing audio and visual evidence to determine if the 20-year-old violated strict anti-discrimination regulations.

Beyond a personal suspension, the Argentine winger faces a significantly higher fine as football’s governing bodies look to impose heavy sanctions.

Benfica is also at risk of a fine exceeding €100,000 for their handling of the incident and their continued defense of the player.

Despite the serious allegations and mounting evidence, the Lisbon club has chosen to support Prestianni publicly.

Reports suggest that if the misconduct is proven, the disciplinary response will be unprecedented, as officials stated they will determine “exactly what was said.”

Eduardo Camavinga has challenged UEFA to abandon matches entirely in response to racial abuse, arguing that temporary pauses fail to provide a meaningful deterrent.

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has urged UEFA to implement stricter consequences for racism, suggesting matches should be permanently abandoned rather than temporarily paused.

Speaking after the 1-0 victory in Lisbon, the Frenchman insisted that the current ten-minute protocol is insufficient to deter abuse.

Camavinga stood firmly behind teammate Vinícius Júnior, stating that any insult directed at a fellow player affects the entire squad.

The midfielder criticized the effectiveness of the current anti-racism measures, calling for a total zero-tolerance policy in European competition.

Camavinga believes that only drastic actions will force a change in fan and player behavior. He concluded, “It’s not about stopping for ten minutes, but stopping the entire match. If you only stop for ten minutes, it doesn’t affect anyone. The tolerance is zero.”

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa voiced unwavering support for Vinícius Júnior and demanded strict action against racism following a volatile Champions League playoff in Lisbon.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has called for “zero tolerance” following the alleged racial abuse of Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Benfica.

Arbeloa emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable in 2026 and challenged Gianluca Prestianni to explain his comments publicly.

The coach affirmed that the club was prepared to leave the pitch in solidarity, leaving the final decision entirely to the Brazilian forward.

Despite the controversy, Arbeloa praised his team’s resilience and tactical growth, specifically highlighting the “spectacular” form of Aurelien Tchouameni and Arda Güler.

He dismissed José Mourinho’s suggestions of provocation, reiterating his total faith in Vinícius’s account of the exchange.

Arbeloa stated, “We rode together, we died together, and when something like this happens, we’re always there for him. We’ll always fight together.”

🚨 BENFICA OFFICIAL STATEMENT: "The news that Rui Costa was involved in a physical fight with a Real Madrid person is COMPLETELY FALSE." pic.twitter.com/UhnAhL2tDs

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 17, 2026

Gianluca Prestianni has publicly denied racially abusing Vinicius Junior, claiming the Brazilian misunderstood his words during their controversial Champions League playoff encounter.  

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has issued a firm social media denial after being accused of racially abusing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

The 20-year-old Argentine claimed his opponent “misinterpreted” their exchange during Tuesday’s heated clash, which was suspended for ten minutes after the referee activated anti-racism protocols.

Despite the allegations and condemnation from Madrid players, Prestianni insisted he has never been racist toward anyone.

The fallout has intensified with Kylian Mbappe claiming Prestianni directed a slur at Vinicius five times, stating the youngster “should never play in the Champions League again.”

In his rebuttal, Prestianni also alleged he was threatened by Real Madrid players during the confrontation.

He wrote, “I want to clarify that at no point did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Jr, who unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard.”