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Real Madrid have six key players one yellow card away from suspension, raising concerns for the second leg against Arsenal. Los Blancos also top the Champions League yellow card chart this season.
Real Madrid will take the field at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal with a growing concern over discipline.
Six players are currently one yellow card away from suspension, a scenario that could heavily impact the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. Among them is Vinicius Junior, who has already served one suspension this campaign due to accumulated bookings.
UEFA rules state that a player is suspended after three bookings, and again at each additional odd-numbered card (five, seven, etc.). If Vinicius receives a booking in London, he will miss the second leg due to reaching five yellow cards.
Also at risk are Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, and Endrick, all of whom have collected at least two yellow cards. Eder Militao also sits on two but is currently out injured.
Real Madrid lead this season’s Champions League in yellow cards, with 30 bookings across 12 matches. That’s more than Bologna (28 in 8 matches), Benfica (28 in 12), and AC Milan (26 in 10).
Despite their experience in European competition, Los Blancos’ disciplinary record could create serious selection issues for Carlo Ancelotti in the crucial second leg.
Only two players so far—both already eliminated—have received five yellow cards this campaign: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) and Alvaro Carreras (Benfica).
Madrid's physical style and high match count explain their disciplinary tally, but with injuries already limiting options, suspensions would be an added blow heading into a decisive home leg.
Written by Barbara Cerar, Editor-in-Chief at en.nogomania.com. Follow us for more stories from international football.