Real Madrid’s problems continue to mount. Just four minutes into the match against Marseille, Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off with an injury, and things worsened when Dani Carvajal was sent off for a headbutt on goalkeeper Gero Rulli. The Olympique de Marseille player provoked the reaction, and Carvajal took the bait. Around the 70th minute, Xabi Alonso’s side was left with ten men—and the situation could escalate further in the coming Champions League rounds.

According to AS, similar precedents suggest Carvajal could face a lengthy suspension. In the worst-case scenario, the Real Madrid captain may be banned for up to four matches, which would rule him out against Kairat, Juventus, Liverpool, and Olympiacos. This is a major setback for Alonso, who will already be without Carvajal for the trip to Kazakhstan.

One precedent often cited is that of Stefan Savic in the 2021 Atlético Madrid–Chelsea clash, when the Montenegrin defender received a four-match suspension for violent conduct, later reduced to three. While this case offers a glimmer of hope, it still underlines the risk of Carvajal missing the crucial meeting with Liverpool.

No official sanction has yet been announced, but UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee is expected to issue one soon. Real Madrid will hope for leniency, but Alonso is already preparing to adapt his plans in Europe while leaning heavily on his captain in La Liga.

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