Why Real Madrid did not break rules by making six substitutions | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s six substitutions were permissible, the extra change came via the concussion protocol that applies to head injuries.

According to Superdeporte, the number of changes prompted online claims of a possible ineligible line-up, given the usual limit is five per team.

During the match, Elche player Buba Sangaré was withdrawn after a blow to the head, activating the medical protocol for a suspected concussion. That process enables one additional, specific substitution to safeguard the player.

When a team uses a concussion substitution, the opposition automatically receives an extra change to preserve competitive balance.

Consequently, Real Madrid moved from the standard five to a total of six substitutions, all within the rules.

Such scenarios have become more common in European football since leagues adopted head‑injury measures on medical advice. The aim is to protect players while avoiding a tactical disadvantage for either side.

Source: Superdeporte