The anticipation was palpable as Real Madrid prepared for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal. With just days left before the crucial clash, UEFA’s disciplinary review threatened to shake up Los Blancos’ squad selection. Would Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Dani Ceballos be available for the trip to the Emirates? Madrid fans anxiously awaited UEFA’s final verdict, knowing that any suspensions could significantly impact the club’s European ambitions.
The controversy stemmed from Los Blancos’ dramatic Round of 16 victory over Atletico Madrid. After triumphing in a tense penalty shootout, several Madrid players celebrated passionately in front of the traveling supporters at the Metropolitano. However, their actions sparked outrage among Atletico fans and officials, who accused them of indecent conduct.
On March 27, UEFA officially launched an investigation into the behavior of the quarter. The European governing body appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to assess whether their actions violated the governing body’s “basic rules of decent conduct” under Article 11(2)(b) of its regulations.
The specific incidents under review included Rudiger allegedly making a throat-cutting gesture toward an Atletico fan. Meanwhile, Mbappe was caught on camera appearing to grab his crotch during celebrations, and Vinicius and Ceballos engaged in heated verbal exchanges with opposition supporters.
With such accusations hanging over them, the fear of suspensions loomed large. If found guilty, any bans could have ruled them out of the Gunners tie—potentially altering the course of Madrid’s Champions League campaign.
UEFA’s verdict: No immediate suspensions
After an extensive review, UEFA announced its final decision: no Real Madrid players would be suspended for the quarter-final against Arsenal. Instead, the governing body opted for financial penalties and conditional suspensions for Rudiger and Mbappe.
In fact, the former was fined €40,000 ($44,000) and handed a one-match European suspension. However, this ban is suspended for one year, meaning he will only serve it if he commits a similar offense within the next 12 months.
Om the other hand, the France captain received a €30,000 ($33,000) fine and a similar one-match suspended ban, meaning he remains eligible to face Arsenal. In addition, Ceballos was fined €20,000 ($22,000) but escaped any further punishment. Meanwhile, Vinicius was fully exonerated, with UEFA concluding that his behavior did not warrant disciplinary action.
The ruling comes as a massive relief for Real Madrid, who can now count on their full squad for the Arsenal encounter. The conditional nature of the suspensions means that both Rudiger and Mbappe must tread carefully moving forward, as another controversial incident could see them forced to sit out a future European fixture.
Boost for Madrid, blow for Arsenal
For the Premier League side, this decision is a significant setback. The prospect of Madrid missing key players had offered a glimmer of hope for Mikel Arteta’s side. Now, the Gunners must prepare to face a full-strength Madrid team featuring the firepower of Mbappe, the dynamism of Vinicius, and the defensive leadership of Rudiger.
Adding to Madrid’s positive news, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is expected to return from injury in time for the first leg. The Belgian shot-stopper, who has missed several recent matches, could be fit to play—further bolstering the Whites’ lineup.
The first leg will take place on April 8 at the Emirates Stadium, with the return leg scheduled for April 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu. With all of Madrid’s key players available, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two European giants.
