Benfica’s Coach, Jose Mourinho has decided not to attend his mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Technically, he can do that — and here’s why.

After receiving a red card for dissent in the first leg (which Benfica lost 1–0 in Lisbon thanks to a stunning strike from Vinícius Júnior), Mourinho is suspended from the touchline.

Under Article 79.04 of UEFA regulations, if a head coach is suspended, the assistant can handle media duties instead.

So João Tralhão will step in before and after the match.

But let’s be honest — this isn’t just about a red card.

The real tension exploded after allegations that Benfica Winger Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinícius during the first leg.

Mourinho’s post-match remarks only intensified the situation.

He criticised Vinícius’ character and invoked the legacy of Eusébio to argue Benfica could not be racist — comments that drew backlash from figures like Thierry Henry and Coaches Vincent Kompany and Liam Rosenior.

UEFA has now provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match while the investigation continues under Article 14 of its Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses discriminatory conduct.

He will miss the decisive clash in Madrid. Importantly, this is an interim measure — further sanctions could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.