Antonio Rudiger's red card took another blow in Real Madrid's already tough season, further escalating a crisis that has plagued the team.
Although his actions cannot be defended, they reflect the greater challenges facing Real Madrid this season, which is Includes a series of suspension and damage This makes them struggle to find the best lineup.
To put the current situation into perspective, Up to eight Real Madrid players have been forced to watch the game from the stands due to suspensionIn La Liga and Champions League, including red cards or accumulated yellow cards.
Rudiger joins the list
Rudiger has not yet joined the group and will be on the roster after receiving a red card against Barcelona.
His suspension will add to the already frustrating season for the German defender, who has also been battling knee issues that could put him out of the upcoming club World Cup.
Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham Barcelona.
Both players have missed games earlier this season due to the suspension, but their absence now adds to the situation for already stretched teams.
Lack of discipline
Madrid players have imposed sanctions more frequently this season than in recent years. The team scrutinized officials with only one referee, Cesar Soto Grado, responsible for three red cards in only four games.
But the bigger problem with Madrid is the huge number of suspensions they face.
Such as Ferland Mendy, Vazquez, Jr. (two), Bellingham (two) (two, potentially pending possibility), Luka Modric, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and even Kylian Mbappe all missed the game due to the timeout.
11 players are missing games due to discipline This season, Real Madrid was forced to spin more than usual, affecting their ability to maintain a consistent starting lineup.
Rudiger's pause is particularly worrying, as his absence can be felt in the crucial upcoming fixture.
The depth of the squad that once seemed so powerful has been tested to its limits, and the team will need to find a way to adapt without using several key players.