Real Madrid receives very bad news in the Champions League play-off round

Real Madrid confronts a significant obstacle in the Champions League, having to compete in a play-off against Benfica while Mbappe is without the assistance of Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham because of suspension and injury.

Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid are confronting a serious challenge in the UEFA Champions League after the Spanish Royal Club failed to secure a direct spot in the round of 16, forcing them into the play-off round under the new format. Moreover, UEFA dealt another heavy blow by suspending a key forward of Los Blancos ahead of the crucial matches.

In the eighth matchday of the group stage, Real Madrid dropped from third to ninth place after a dramatic 4-2 defeat to Benfica, decided by a stoppage-time goal scored by... the goalkeeper. Since Benfica finished 24th overall, the two teams will meet again in the play-off round. However, Real Madrid will enter this tie without an important attacking player.

According to UEFA's disciplinary ruling, Rodrygo Goes is suspended for two matches, meaning he will miss both play-off legs entirely. The Brazilian forward received a red card in the game against Benfica after reacting to referee Davide Massa’s decision, resulting in two yellow cards within less than a minute. Although the red card stemmed from two yellows, UEFA’s disciplinary committee increased the suspension to two matches by applying the clause on “insulting or offensive language towards the referee team.”

The following day, Rodrygo apologized on social media, admitting he lost control of his emotions when complaining about time-wasting behavior. The 2001-born star affirmed this was not his true character and expressed regret to fans, the club, teammates, and coaching staff, urging the whole team to unite and continue fighting for Real Madrid’s colors and the dream of the Champions League.

The first leg between the two teams is scheduled for February 17 at Estádio da Luz, followed by the return match on February 25 at Santiago Bernabéu. After an unstable group stage, Real Madrid’s path to progress deep into Europe’s competition has become even more difficult.

Besides Rodrygo, Real Madrid also suffers a serious setback as Jude Bellingham was injured in the recent match against Rayo Vallecano.

Medical examinations revealed the English midfielder has a left hamstring semitendinosus muscle injury and will be sidelined until early March. Losing two key players simultaneously leaves Real Madrid with a weakened squad entering the Champions League play-offs, amid mounting pressure following the shock elimination from the Copa del Rey.