Less than a week before the clash against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, UEFA is preparing its sanction against Antonio Rüdiger and Real Madrid. A very bad piece of news could be on its way for Carlo Ancelotti.
Dani Ceballos, Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Antonio Rüdiger are under UEFA’s scrutiny. For several days now, European football’s governing body has assigned two investigators, at Atlético Madrid’s request, to review footage of the Madrid players’ celebrations. Accused of making obscene, or even prohibited, gestures on the pitch after the victory at the Civitas Metropolitano against the Colchoneros on 12 April in the second leg of the round of 16, the four key players of Los Blancos will learn their official sanction this Friday.
A player facing suspension
But before UEFA’s official verdict, the Madrid-based daily Marca has dropped a bombshell. According to the well-informed press close to the team, three players—Mbappé, Vinícius, and Ceballos—should get away with a warning and a fine. Among the four players under investigation, the cases of the French forward and Antonio Rüdiger are particularly sensitive. If, in the end, France’s captain is only fined for touching his genitals—similar to recent cases involving Jude Bellingham (with England) and CR7 (with Juventus)—the situation for the 33-year-old defender could be far worse.
According to Marca, Real Madrid fears a one-match ban for the German defender, who mimicked a choking (death) gesture in front of Atlético’s supporters. “His gesture was not well received and was considered threatening,” explained José Félix Díaz, who reported on the case. For now, this remains only a concern for Madrid’s management, who have received delayed updates on the likely sanctions awaiting their key player.
Rüdiger to miss Arsenal clash?
If the reports are confirmed this Friday, Carlo Ancelotti would lose Rüdiger for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against the Gunners. A true defensive leader for Madrid, the former Chelsea man would be a huge loss for the team in this crucial away match. Notably, Arsenal also face defensive struggles, as several key players are injured and remain doubtful for the first leg on 8 April.
Given that the combination of Raúl Asencio and David Alaba has not been convincing—evident in Tuesday night’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad—Madrid fans will be hoping UEFA delivers a positive surprise by ruling out suspension. More to follow…
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