Real Madrid on High Alert: Five Players at Risk of Suspension Ahead of Champions League Return Leg
Real Madrid has landed in Manchester, ready to face City in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Nearly a year after their dramatic penalty shootout victory at the Etihad Stadium, Los Blancos return to a familiar yet challenging ground.
However, this season tells a different story. The clash comes much earlier in the competition, and while the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu offers a slight advantage, Carlo Ancelotti must carefully manage his squad to avoid key suspensions for that crucial second match.
Multiple Players Walking a Disciplinary Tightrope
Real Madrid leads the Champions League in players at risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. While Éder Militão and Antonio Rüdiger are already ruled out through injury, five other key players are just one booking away from missing the return leg in Madrid:
- Jude Bellingham
- Luka Modrić
- Endrick
- Eduardo Camavinga
- Aurélien Tchouaméni
Surprisingly, even Carlo Ancelotti himself faces potential suspension if he receives another disciplinary warning.
On the brighter side, Vinícius Jr. will be available after serving his suspension against Brest, while Lucas Vázquez misses out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the recent Madrid derby.
Manchester City’s Situation: Only One Player at Risk
In contrast, Manchester City faces fewer disciplinary concerns. Rúben Dias is the only player who risks missing the return leg at the Bernabéu if booked in the first match. Losing the Portuguese defender would be a significant blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, especially given the challenges City has faced this season.
With so much at stake, both teams will need to balance aggressive play with caution. The Etihad clash promises intensity, but for Ancelotti, the real challenge might be ensuring his key players are available when the battle continues in Madrid.
