Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior facing disciplinary issue on the horizon

Real Madrid have managed well without Vinicius Junior during his recent suspension, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once in the three games he missed.

However, with the Champions League knockout stages approaching, Carlo Ancelotti will be eager to have him back, especially with a potential clash against Manchester City on the horizon.

Vinicius has already served a suspension for accumulating three yellow cards in the group stage, but UEFA’s new rules mean he must be even more cautious.

Now, after just two more bookings, he would face another ban, and a final suspension would come after just one additional yellow card. Given his average of a booking every 2.6 games this season, discipline will be key to ensuring he remains available for crucial matches.

Jude Bellingham is also at risk, sitting on two yellow cards heading into the knockout rounds. However, yellow cards will be wiped after the play-off round and again before the semifinals, offering a potential reprieve for Ancelotti’s squad later in the tournament.