Five Real Madrid stars one booking away from missing semi-final if booked against Arsenal | OneFootball

As Real Madrid prepare for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, everything is far from straightforward, as they are dealing with several problems both on and off the pitch.

To begin with, the daunting 0-3 loss from the first leg in London is much more than a mountain to climb.

Real Madrid are in a position where they must score at least three goals just to take the match into the penalties. Now, the challenge is certainly tedious but not impossible for a club of Real Madrid’s pedigree.

Camavinga’s suspension and yellow card warnings

Adding to the challenge, it must be noted that Real Madrid are set to be without Eduardo Camavinga due to his red card in the first leg.

Moreover, many players are also facing the possibility of missing out on the semi-final first leg if they receive a yellow card tomorrow at Santiago Bernabue.

This includes the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Vazquez, Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr., and Endrick. Any further bookings for any one these players would see them suspended for the next round.

Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both at risk. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Furthermore, even coach Carlo Ancelotti, who sat out against Alaves, faces suspension if he receives a yellow card.

Rules around cards and suspensions

There are two important points to note about the yellow card situation that need clarification. Firstly, if any of the players mentioned above are booked and Real Madrid are eliminated, they will not serve a suspension.

This is because, fortunately, yellow card accumulations do not carry over from one season to the next.

Secondly, if Madrid advances to the semifinals, any pending yellow card suspensions are effectively wiped clean, meaning the team will start fresh.

Now, it goes without saying that Madrid have a huge task ahead but if history is anything to go by, if there is one team that can turn things around, it is certainly them.