Real Madrid have been dealt a major setback in their UEFA Champions League campaign as veteran defender Dani Carvajal has been suspended for two matches following his red card against Olympique Marseille. The Spanish right-back was sent off after a heated altercation in the group-stage clash, where tensions flared late in the second half.
Carvajal, who was captaining Los Blancos in the absence of the injured regular skipper, lost his cool during a confrontation with a Marseille player, leading to a head-to-head incident that saw him dismissed. UEFA’s disciplinary committee reviewed the incident and confirmed on Tuesday that the experience Spanish defender will serve a two-match ban, ruling him out of crucial upcoming fixtures.
The suspension comes at a delicate time for Real Madrid, who are already without their captain due to injury. Carvajal’s absence leaves Xabi Alonso’s side short of leadership and experience at the back, with the manager now expected to turn to younger options or reshuffle his defense.
This setback could prove costly, especially as Madrid look to secure top spot in their group and avoid a potentially tougher draw in the knockout stages. Carvajal’s passion and aggression have often been an asset for the club, but on this occasion, his loss of discipline has left his team facing an uphill battle in Europe’s elite competition.
