Real Madrid’s standout player, Jude Bellingham, faces a two-match suspension from La Liga following his recent red card against Valencia.
This setback means he’ll be sidelined once again for the Spanish giants, having been penalised for his dismissal during a contentious 2-2 draw against Valencia.
Bellingham’s expulsion came in stoppage time after disputing with referee Gil Manzano, following his disallowed goal—a header that he believed to be the match-winner—only for the final whistle to be blown.
Despite Bellingham’s absence being a setback for Madrid, they maintain an impressive eight-point lead at the summit of La Liga and remain strong contenders for the Champions League quarter-finals, having secured a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the first leg.
The English international has been a prolific force for Madrid this season, contributing 20 goals and eight assists across all competitions since his high-profile £87 million ($107.4 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer, with the potential fee rising to £108 million ($133 million).
Although Bellingham will miss Madrid’s upcoming league fixtures against Celta Vigo and Osasuna on March 10 and March 16, respectively, he will be eligible to feature in their crucial Champions League last-16 clash against RB Leipzig at home on Wednesday night.