Real Madrid is waiting for the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) to decide on a possible sanction against Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr. after their disparaging remarks against Atlético Madrid fans following their elimination in the round of 16 of the Champions League. If the sanction is a match suspension, Real Madrid would have a serious problem, especially in defense.
Problems in Real Madrid’s defense
Pending the final sanction, with a few days to go before the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Real Madrid is planning for the worst-case scenario, which is not being able to count on its players for the first leg. Mbappé and Vinicius would be very significant losses for the team, but they have replacements available such as Brahim, Endrick, Güler or they could bring in more midfield players, such as Modric or Camavinga.
The problem comes in defense. With Alaba injured and in serious doubt, Real Madrid would only have Asencio as a natural center back, Tchouameni would become part of the defense, a position that neither he nor Ancelotti want him to occupy in a game after a transcendent one, among other reasons, because the idea is that Valverde occupies the right back position. Many changes for a key game in the season and given the problems Real Madrid have been having defending throughout the season.
Possible sanctions
UEFA is expected to rule no later than Friday on the sanctions. The last similar precedent occurred with another Real Madrid player, Bellingham, but this time playing for his national team at the European Championship. The English player grabbed his genitals in a derogatory manner towards the Slovenian fans after qualifying from the group stage. UEFA opened the same proceedings against the player, and in the end the sanction received was only financial, and it is expected to be the same again.
In that case, each Real Madrid player would have to pay a fine of 30,000 euros, a very high figure but one that would not prevent them from playing in the important Champions League match. But Real Madrid are not trusting and are waiting expectantly for UEFA’s decision. Everyone knows that Real Madrid’s relations with UEFA are far from ideal, which is why they fear that the punishment could be greater for the footballers, which would be a tremendous blow for the team.
A key match against Arsenal
Real Madrid play the first leg of the quarter finals of the Champions League against Arsenal on Tuesday 8th April and they still don’t know which players they will be able to count on for the important match in London. What is clear is that, whatever the sanction, the players will be able to play in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, which will be played next Wednesday 16th April and where the tie will be decided.
All that remains is for UEFA’s regulatory body to make a decision so that Real Madrid can prepare for the match, but what is most worrying is that Rudiger could miss the momentous match, as it is key that Real Madrid have their central defensive pairing in order to face the match with every possible guarantee starting from the defense.