Real Madrid Loses Star Rodrygo to Crushing Suspension Before Champions League Playoffs
Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Rodrygo has received a two-game Champions League suspension for offensive conduct, sidelining him from the playoff rounds.
The Brazilian star was dismissed in the final moments of Los Blancos' 4–2 loss to Benfica during their last group stage match following a heated exchange with referee Davide Massa. Initially receiving just a yellow card, Rodrygo was subsequently shown red for persistent protests.
The attacker later expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging he became "too emotional" and was ready to accept any punishment. However, Rodrygo likely didn't expect a two-game ban that will cover both matches of Real Madrid's playoff encounter against José Mourinho's squad.
Making matters worse, the 15-time European titleholders will also miss several other crucial players for these vital fixtures scheduled for Feb. 17 and Feb. 25.
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Rodrygo's absence is a significant blow for Real Madrid; the 25-year-old finished 2025 in outstanding form and serves as the team's most effective substitute when Franco Mastantuono takes his starting position on the right flank.
However, he won't be alone on the treatment table, as Raúl Asencio also received a red card in Real Madrid's final group stage encounter. The central defender has been Álvaro Arbeloa's most reliable defensive option this campaign despite battling a shin injury in recent matches.
Adding to the complications, the Spanish manager will also be without Jude Bellingham, who sustained a muscle strain over the weekend. The English midfielder is projected to be unavailable for four weeks, missing both encounters with Benfica.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger are both working against time to regain full fitness before Real Madrid travels to Lisbon in a fortnight. Without the German defender, Arbeloa might arrive at the Estádio da Luz with only Dean Huijsen as a completely healthy first-choice center-back.
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For Rodrygo to participate in Champions League elimination rounds this season, his colleagues must ensure Real Madrid advances past the playoff stage. Should the club stumble against Benfica once more, the Brazilian could have potentially made his final European appearance in Madrid colors.
Though still under contract with the Spanish powerhouse for two more years, Rodrygo's long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu remains uncertain. Throughout the summer transfer window, he was consistently linked with clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, and nothing prevents these teams, or new interested parties, from pursuing him again.
Ultimately, if Rodrygo cannot reclaim his starting role from Mastantuono, it's difficult to envision the gifted player remaining at Real Madrid. The more probable outcome would involve a high-profile move to a club offering consistent playing time.