Ancelotti suspended for Real Madrid clash vs Alaves after yellow card in Valencia loss | OneFootball

Real Madrid succumbed to a shock 2-1 defeat to Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier today, losing further ground in the La Liga title race.

It was a disappointing display from the Merengues, which drew boos and whistles from the home support at various stages.

The result will put manager Carlo Ancelotti under pressure especially with talks of him being replaced by Xabi Alonso at the end of the ongoing season.

Ancelotti suspended

Amidst the discourse surrounding the performance and the defeat vs. Valencia, Ancelotti will now also have to deal with a one-match suspension.

Indeed, Ancelotti will not be on the bench for Real Madrid’s upcoming league match against Alaves at Mendizorroza, after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season.

Five yellow cards for Ancelotti this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The caution came in the 22nd minute during a VAR review of the disallowed own-goal by Mouctar Diakhaby for Kylian Mbappe being in an offside position.

Ancelotti reacted with visible disbelief to the review process and protested strongly, leading referee Cuadra Fernandez to show him a yellow card during the review itself.

Now, the Italian manager will serve a suspension, watching the match against Alaves from the stands, without direct contact with his players, rather than from the touchline.

However, he will still be permitted to communicate with his coaching staff by phone. It is an unusual situation for the experienced Italian, who is rarely sanctioned in this way.

Ancelotti is also one booking away from a suspension in the UEFA Champions League.