Rodrygo's Apology Can't Undo the Damage as Red Card Costs Real Madrid Dearly
Real Madrid's winger Rodrygo issued an apology to his fellow players, coach Álvaro Arbeloa and the club's supporters following his dismissal in injury time during the match against Benfica.
The Brazilian star entered the game as a substitute in the 55th minute, hoping to ignite his team's struggling offensive play, but managed just one attempt on goal in Los Blancos' 4–2 loss. Matters deteriorated further during added time when Rodrygo was shown two yellow cards consecutively for arguing with the referee.
Within 24 hours, the attacker used social media to accept full accountability for his unnecessary ejection. "Yesterday I let my emotions get the better of me while protesting about time-wasting. This behavior doesn't represent who I am," Rodrygo posted on X.
"I had never received a red card while representing Real Madrid and I understand the ramifications. I offer my apologies to the supporters, the institution, my fellow players, and the manager. We will remain unified and continue battling for this jersey and for this Champions League!"
The shocking defeat in their final league phase match relegated the 15-time European champions to the knockout phase playoffs, where they will meet Benfica again—this time in a two-match series with qualification to the round of 16 at stake.
Why Rodrygo's Late Red Card Is So Costly for Real Madrid
Why Rodrygo's Late Red Card Is So Costly for Real Madrid
Rodrygo's dismissal, occurring in the 97th minute of Real Madrid's encounter with Benfica, seemed insignificant at the time. With mere seconds left in the league phase fixture, José Mourinho's squad was preparing for a set piece as the match's final action.
Certainly, Rodrygo might have assisted in defending what became a goal by keeper Anatoliy Trubin, but Los Blancos were already destined for the knockout phase playoffs regardless of whether the Ukrainian found the net.
Benfica v Real Madrid. Reload it. pic.twitter.com/VO9AOIH6K8
The genuine repercussions of the Brazilian's expulsion emerge in the knockout stage. Rodrygo will miss the first leg of the tie, scheduled to take place at the Estádio da Luz. Arbeloa will now be deprived of his most threatening right-wing option, compelled to select between Brahim Díaz, who lacks form following his AFCON disappointment, or Franco Mastantuono, who falters in crucial encounters.
Kylian Mbappé will consequently need to carry much of the team's attacking responsibility once more. Prior to his injury, Rodrygo was the player contributing most significantly in attack to ease the pressure on the French star; the 25-year-old accumulated six goal contributions across seven matches.
Now, Rodrygo—alongside Raúl Asencio, who was also dismissed against Benfica—will remain in Madrid while his teammates strive not only to reverse their league phase loss but also establish an edge for the second leg.
Rodrygo's Sending Off Could Further Impact His Future at Real Madrid
Rodrygo's Sending Off Could Further Impact His Future at Real Madrid
A single-match suspension may not represent the most severe consequence Rodrygo encounters for his loss of composure in Lisbon. His position in the squad was already precarious before his injury and current ban—the former Santos player had only been named in the starting eleven for four of Real Madrid's opening 21 matches this season, and has yet to receive the starting nod under new manager Arbeloa.
Additional time away from action is precisely what the forward cannot afford, particularly with Mastantuono prepared to claim his spot on the right flank. The young player still requires significant development before reaching the standard necessary for consistent performances week after week in the famous white jersey, but his defensive work rate and moments of excellence in attack make him an intriguing wide option.
The possibility of losing his already fragile position in Los Blancos' starting formation will burden Rodrygo heavily, as he was connected with a departure from the Spanish capital during the previous summer. Multiple European powerhouses, including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, showed interest in the Brazil international, but he chose to stay at Real Madrid.
If he finds himself excluded from the team's starting eleven again, Rodrygo might face a comparable scenario during the upcoming summer transfer period, creating an unwanted distraction before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.