Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence on Friday that Real Madrid will not see a large number of important players forbidden for their quarter -final draw against Arsenal.
On Thursday, UEFA announced that it had opened an investigation into alleged misconduct of a series of Madrid players in the aftermath of their recent European victory over Atletico Madrid.
Madrid eliminated their neighbors in a controversial Champions League Last-16 Penalty Shoot-Out, in which Julian Alvarez saw his successful kick rejected after a VAR review ruled that he had touched the ball twice.
Four Blancos players are being investigated about their behavior during the celebrations after the game, and Spanish media reports have said that Bans can be handed out.
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Ceballos are the players who are being investigated, with the quartet that runs the risk of being suspended for the quarterfinals against Arsenal, which takes place over two legs on April 8 and April 16.
“We believe that everything was correct and we hope that UEFA will make a decision, but we trust that everything will end well,” Ancelotti told reporters.
UEFA did not describe the incidents in assessment, but Spanish media reported that Atletico had filed a complaint about the players of Madrid who taunts their fans after the game, causing objects to be thrown at them.
“We have faith in UEFA's opinion, because the players had just celebrated. That's it, we are waiting for a statement, but our players did nothing wrong,” Ancelotti added.
The Italian also said that his side would give everything to retain their LaLiga title, despite the backlog of Leaders Barcelona in the rankings with three points.
Football in the Bernabéu is back! pic.twitter.com/olrujoulrg
– Real Madrid CF (@Realmadriden) 28 March 2025
They organize Leganes in LaLiga on Saturday, while Barca is opposed to Girona a day later. Atletico, currently four points under Madrid in second place, visit Espanyol on Saturday.
“Barcelona has an advantage, but we are going to fight until the end. I hope we have 17 games [in all competitions] Departed until the end, “said Ancelotti.
Madrid will be without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for Saturday's game because of a muscle tension, but Ancelotti hopes that the Belgian – and other players – will be fit to be confronted with Arsenal.
“Courtois has a small problem, and we try to restore Ceballos and [Ferland] Mendy for the first stage against Arsenal, “said Ancelotti.
“The last part of the season starts now, and we have to do well. Responsibility is increasing because every match can be decisive.”
Comments