UEFA has dealt a blow to Real Madrid at the most critical juncture of the season. Rodrygo Goes has been handed a two-match suspension following his red card in the final Champions League league phase fixture against Benfica, which will prevent him from playing in the European playoff against the Portuguese side.

The Brazilian forward was enduring a difficult night in Lisbon, during a match where José Mourinho's side caused an upset by defeating the "Merengues" 4-2. Benfica needed a victory and favorable results elsewhere to progress, and they secured it in the final moments, stripping Real Madrid of any chance to bypass the playoff round.

In the final minutes, with the score still undecided, Rodrygo lost his cool and heatedly protested a refereeing decision. The official showed him a yellow card, but the attacker continued his complaints, resulting in a straight red card at the 90+7' mark. Real Madrid was already down to ten men following the previous dismissal of Raúl Asencio, leaving them at a significant disadvantage.

With the numerical advantage, Benfica capitalized on the chaos to score the decisive goal that sealed their qualification. Fate has decreed that both teams meet again in the playoff, but the "Merengue" side will have to face the tie without one of their key attacking threats.

As confirmed by UEFA in an official statement, Rodrygo was sanctioned for insulting or using abusive language toward the referee. This penalty will sideline him for both matches against Benfica, posing a serious setback for Real Madrid on their European path.

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