Real Madrid youngster will miss La Liga clash against Girona | OneFootball

It was an afternoon to forget for Real Madrid today as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of RCD Mallorca away at Son Moix.

The result leaves the Merengues’ hopes of winning the La Liga title hanging by a thread, considering that leaders Barcelona are already four points ahead and can increase the gap to seven later tonight.

The immediate focus shifts to Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Bayern Munich, but beyond that another tricky La Liga encounter against Girona awaits.

And, Real Madrid will have to make do without one of their talented young players for the game against the Catalans.

No Franco Mastantuono against Girona

Indeed, Franco Mastantuono will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s next La Liga match against Girona after receiving a suspension-triggering yellow card.

The Argentine wonderkid, who has struggled for consistent minutes this season, came on in the 76th minute against Mallorca, replacing Brahim Diaz even as Los Blancos searched for an equaliser. Despite attempting to make an impact, his contribution was limited.

During one sequence, after a heavy touch, he collided with Mallorca’s Sergi Darder and committed a foul. Referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez had no hesitation in issuing a yellow card, a decision that seemed to be somewhat excessive based on the images.

Suspended for the next game. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, the booking was Mastantuono’s fifth of the season in La Liga, resulting in a suspension that rules him out of the upcoming fixture against Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu next Friday.

Mastantuono appeared somewhat rushed during his time on the pitch, particularly on the right flank. Prior to the booking, he had already conceded another foul after arriving late in a challenge near the touchline. It may have played a part in the referee’s ruling.

The former River Plate prodigy has found it difficult to secure a regular role in his first season at Real Madrid.

While he received ample opportunities initially under Xabi Alonso and then during Alvaro Arbeloa’s initial days, the 18-year-old gem has been unable to make the kind of impact expected. He will now be forced to sit out of Real Madrid’s next league game vs Girona.