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Jude Bellingham will be available for Real Madrid’s remaining La Liga games after his red card from the Copa del Rey final was officially removed. But Real will be without key defender Antonio Rüdiger for at least six La Liga matches after he was banned. Lucas Vázquez has been handed a two-match suspension following the end to the final against Barcelona.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The end of the Copa del Rey final was crazy, full of nonsense. Three players saw red in Real Madrid’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona, including Bellingham, Vázquez and Rüdiger. It immediately appeared that Bellingham would face a suspension. But the Spanish Football Federation’s competition committee reviewed Real Madrid’s appeal, including video images of the offence, and explained that Madrid’s first goal-scorer’s actions did not match the aggression claimed in the referee’s report. As a result, his expulsion from the match was revoked, meaning he will not face a suspension. However, Vázquez, who was sent off for entering the pitch in protest, was banned for two games. Rüdiger, meanwhile, who was dismissed for throwing an object onto the field of play before confronting the officials, was handed a six-match ban. Further competitions could be affected if his time on the sidelines spills over, with the centre-back needing to recover from recent knee surgery before serving his suspension.
BIGGER IMPACT FOR REAL MADRID
Real Madrid have managed to keep Bellingham loosely available for the conclusion of the season. The club are second in La Liga, still fighting for the title, with Barcelona just ahead in first place. The fitness and availability of Bellingham, who has scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in the league this campaign, has been crucial to Madrid maintaining a title challenge. However, the extension of Rüdiger’s time on the sidelines will limit defensive options. Meanwhile, if Vázquez’s contract is renewed, the veteran full-back, whose deal expires in June, will likely miss the early stages of the next Copa del Rey.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Madrid host third-placed Girona at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on May 4 and will be able to count on Bellingham to help shape the title race. Los Blancos are two points behind leaders Barcelona, while Girona are four points further back. A win could be massive in deciding who claims top spot with four games to play this season, and Madrid’s attacking options will be bolstered by the decision to allow Bellingham to play. However, the temporary block on defensive options due to Rüdiger’s suspension and knee injury will be a concern for Madrid boss Pep Guardiola.
