Benfica on alert as Real Madrid hit by Champions League bans | OneFootball

Real Madrid will be without two players for the Champions League tie with Benfica after dismissals on 28 January, adding to recent strain. According to Glorioso 1904, UEFA rulings mean Álvaro Arbeloa faces two selection headaches.

Defender Raúl Asensio, sent off for two cautions in the 4-2 defeat in Lisbon on 28 January, will miss only the first leg in Lisbon.

Rodrygo was dismissed at 90+6 after confronting Italian referee Davide Massa. UEFA has imposed a two-match ban for the manner of his protest.

After the Lisbon defeat, which sealed Benfica’s qualification, Rodrygo said he let the moment get to him while protesting about time-wasting. He added it was not his usual behaviour, that he had never been sent off for Real Madrid and that he understood the consequences.

With less than two weeks until the first leg, the Spanish side are under fire over poor results and will try to steady themselves before returning to Lisbon. For Benfica, the only doubt is whether José Mourinho can call on Richard Ríos.

Source: Glorioso 1904