Real Madrid star Rodrygo Goes will miss both legs of the Champions League play-off against Benfica after UEFA handed him a two-match ban for using "abusive" language towards the referee.
This disciplinary decision comes after the match held on January 28 in Lisbon, where the Madrid team suffered a 4-2 defeat at Benfica in the Champions League group stage.
In the extra minutes of the match, Rodrygo was punished with two yellow cards in a row, with the second leading to a straight red card for protesting against the referee, as the Brazilian became frustrated with Benfica's time-wasting tactics.
Benfica's 4-2 victory denied Real Madrid the chance of automatically securing a place in the Champions League round of 16 through the league stage, forcing Los Blancos to play in the play-offs for qualification.
As a result, the Madrid team will face Benfica in the knockout stage, where Rodrygo will miss both matches due to suspension.
After the punishment, the Brazilian striker also published an apology on social media, admitting that he fell prey to emotions at the time of the incident.
"I was taken away from the moment I complained about wasted time. It's not my way of doing things."
"I have never been sent off playing for Real Madrid and I am aware of the consequences. I apologize to the fans, the club, my teammates and the coach," Rodrygo said.
The first leg between Real Madrid and Benfica will be played on February 17 in Lisbon, while the return leg will be played a week later on February 25 at the 'Santiago Bernabeu'.Telegrafi/
