Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images

UEFA Makes Punishment Decision On Rodrygo Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 1:20 PM ET

Real Madrid will soon play two extra games in the month of February as they are in the Round of 16 playoffs of the Champions League.

Real Madrid has two La Liga games in the next two weekends, but they will then play a two-legged Champions League playoff round against Benfica.

Los Blancos will already be without Jude Bellingham due to an injury, with the English midfielder set to be out for a month. Real Madrid will now be without one of their star forwards, Rodrygo.

The Brazilian forward has played more often under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, but Rodrygo will face punishment by UEFA ahead of Real Madrid's two matches against Benfica in the Champions League.

Rodrygo Goes, player of Real Madrid, in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid C.F. at on January 28, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

Rodrygo to miss both matches against Benfica

The Athletic reports that UEFA has given Rodrygo a two-match ban in the Champions League, which rules him out for the whole tie against Benfica in two weeks.

Rodrygo will not be part of the Real Madrid squad for the first and second legs of the Round of 16 playoffs against Benfica. Rodrygo received a second yellow card late in the match against Benfica on Matchday 8, on January 28, 2026.

Rodrygo was furious with the referee and was upset as he left the pitch to go back to the locker room. The punishment mentions the ban being given due to 'abusive language'.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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