Madrid's Euro woes pile up as Asencio and Rodrygo face play-off ban
Los Blancos dealt double blow ahead of Champions League play-off as two key players see red, with three more walking disciplinary tightrope.
Real Madrid are set for another Champions League play-off round, but they’ll have to navigate it without two important players as both Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo Goes will miss the first leg through suspension.
Play-off déjà vu
Los Blancos find themselves in familiar territory, having to contest a play-off just as they did last season when they dramatically knocked out Manchester City. This Friday’s draw will determine whether they face Benfica over two legs or take on Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt, who stunned Atlético Madrid with a shock 1-2 victory at the Metropolitano.
Disciplinary nightmare
The situation is proper bread and butter for Carlo Ancelotti, who now has significant selection headaches:
- Asencio received two yellow cards – first for pushing an opponent after Benfica’s penalty and another for a late foul
- Rodrygo’s dismissal came in more dramatic fashion, losing his rag before Benfica’s fourth goal and collecting two quickfire bookings
- Three more players – Huijsen, Tchouaméni and Bellingham – are one yellow card away from missing the second leg
Defensive crisis deepens
Asencio’s absence is particularly troubling given Madrid’s defensive struggles under Arbeloa. Éder Militão is already confirmed out, leaving the coaching staff desperately hoping Antonio Rüdiger can return for the first leg, scheduled for either February 17th or 18th.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel for the German defender, who could make the squad for the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano, or almost certainly for the league clash with Valencia at Mestalla on February 8th.
With the return leg set for February 24th or 25th, Madrid will need to be at their best to avoid an early European exit – something that would be unthinkable for the defending champions.