Three Real Madrid stars at risk of suspension heading into Benfica clash | OneFootball

Real Madrid take on SL Benfica later tonight in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff round away at Estadio da Luz.

While the Merengues have momentum on their side, having beaten Real Sociedad 4-1 in their last game, they approach tonight’s clash with some concern.

After all, Jose Mourinho’s men beat them 4-2 at the same venue less than a month ago, leading to them dropping out of the top-eight in the league phase standings.

Disciplinary concerns for Real Madrid

Beyond that, Real Madrid also have worries due to the disciplinary risk that could affect the return leg.

Up to three players from the Spanish capital club are one yellow card away from suspension, a scenario that is bound to worry Alvaro Arbeloa & co. given the importance of those individuals.

Tchouameni is one card away from suspension. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Defenders Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras, and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni are all one card away from an automatic suspension.

Huijsen and Tchouameni are currently on two yellow cards in the UEFA Champions League, while Carreras is on four. And a caution in tonight’s clash will mean they will miss the second leg against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu next week.

Naturally, this is a cause for concern for Real Madrid, considering that all three players are regular starters in the team and having them unavailable for a crucial and decisive second-leg playoff tie could become a major problem.

All three aforementioned players are expected to start tonight at Estadio da Luz and they must ensure that they keep their discipline and not jeopardise Real Madrid’s chances of making it through to the Round of 16.