Real Madrid has been dealt a blow in its Champions League campaign as veteran right-back Dani Carvajal has received a two-match suspension for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. The disciplinary ban, announced by UEFA’s control and disciplinary body, stems from an on-field incident in Madrid’s opening group match.
The red card came late in the match when tensions boiled over inside the penalty area. Carvajal, in a heated moment after a contested aerial duel, appeared to lean forward and make contact with Rulli’s face. After VAR review, the referee issued a straight red for violent conduct.
While the sanction is serious, its immediate practical impact may be muted. Carvajal is currently sidelined with a soleus injury that is expected to keep him out for roughly a month — a period that overlaps with the two European fixtures he is banned from. In effect, the suspension runs concurrently with his injury layoff, meaning Real Madrid may not miss out too badly in the short term.
Still, the ruling carries both symbolic and practical weight. In his absence, manager Xabi Alonso must reconfigure his defensive options. With Carvajal unavailable and other full-back alternatives limited, options like Lucas Vázquez or backups from the youth ranks may be pressed into difficult Champions League duty. The stability and experience Carvajal brings to high-pressure European nights will certainly be missed.
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In a post-match statement following the Marseille game, Carvajal apologized for his conduct, calling it “inappropriate for a match of this magnitude” and expressed regret. Real Madrid officials responded cautiously, emphasizing their respect for UEFA’s decision while lamenting the loss of a reliable veteran in Europe’s premier competition.
Looking ahead, Madrid must navigate upcoming group encounters — fixtures that may now test depth and character. The matches against Kairat Almaty and Juventus loom large, and the squad must adapt without one of its most seasoned performers. When Carvajal returns, he will not only reclaim a position but also face the task of restoring composure and leadership after a controversial episode.
