UEFA suspension rules explained with Real Madrid and Man City stars at risk of Champions League ban | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a number of key players walking the disciplinary tightrope

The two European giants met in the Champions League for a fourth consecutive season last week as the current holders emerged victorious in an highly entertaining knockout phase playoff first-leg.

Carlo Ancelotti has already predicted the winner of this tie to be crowned champions of Europe and judging by recent history, it's difficult to argue with the Real Madrid boss.

Though, disciplinary issues could prove problematic, with the Italian tactician having already had to deal with numerous suspensions this season and a number of players are facing a ban ahead of a last-16 clash.

In fact, Ancelotti will need to have a word with a few of his players, urging them to tread carefully in the second leg, whilst also staying calm himself as he is one yellow card away from a touchline ban.

Champions League suspension rule explained

In the Champions League, a player must receive three yellow cards, of which none result in a red card, to be suspended.

After receiving three yellow cards, "any subsequent odd-numbered caution" (fifth, seventh, ninth etc.) will result in another suspension.

All yellow cards and suspensions are wiped after the quarter-final stage, meaning a player could only miss the Champions League final in the rare event that they were sent off in the semi-final second leg.

Which Real Madrid players are close to a suspension?

With two yellow cards, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Endrick and Antonio Rudiger are the Real Madrid players in immediate danger as they need to avoid a booking against Man City to avoid being suspended for a potential Champions League round of 16 first-leg.

Suspension risks: Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni

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For Man City, Ruben Dias is the only suspension risk and Pep Guardiola is hopeful of having the central defender available for selection after his absence from the matchday squad against Newcastle at the weekend.

“I hope so [they will be fit for Real Madrid]," Guardiola said. “Today they were not good. Ruben said I’m not ready to play 90 minutes - maybe 15, 20 - but having Vitor [Reis] on the bench I didn’t want to risk it.

“Nathan had problems after the game against Madrid so both were not ready to play.”