Champions League Suspended Players: 11 Stars Banned for Opening Matches

Real Madrid and Barcelona Face Matchday One Absences

Real Madrid will be without three players for their opening fixture against Inter Milan, according to official tournament disciplinary records. Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler are both sidelined due to red cards received during the second leg of their semi-final defeat to Bayern Munich last season. Bernardo Silva must also serve a suspension at the Bernabeu fixture following a red card picked up while representing Manchester City against Real Madrid in the last-16 tie in March, per UEFA filings.

FC Barcelona enters the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy but will start without Eric Garcia. According to match officials, the versatile Spaniard is serving a one-match ban for a 79th-minute dismissal during the second leg of last season’s quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid.

Borussia Dortmund, Atletico, and PSV Sideline Updates

Borussia Dortmund must manage without Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini for their matchday one encounter against Villarreal. UEFA data shows both defenders were sent off in the 97th minute of their exit to Atalanta BC in the knockout playoffs.

Atletico Madrid winger Arnau Ortiz is ruled out of the fixture against Liverpool due to a carryover suspension. According to disciplinary reports, Ortiz received the two yellow cards while representing Slask Wroclaw in a Conference League qualifier against St Gallen in August 2024.

PSV Eindhoven’s Mauro Junior is suspended for the match against Shakhtar Donetsk after being sent off in a league phase contest with Bayern Munich in January, while Stuttgart’s Nikolas Nartey misses the game against Viking FK following a red card against Porto in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Manchester City and Aston Villa Roster Adjustments

Manchester City benefits from a suspension affecting opponents FC Porto, as defender Jan Bednarek serves the first of a two-match ban. According to UEFA records, the Poland international was red-carded against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League quarter-finals last term.

Aston Villa will see Fenerbahce midfielder Matteo Guendouzi sit out their matchday two meeting. Guendouzi received a two-match suspension from UEFA for instigating a brawl after the full-time whistle of the playoff tie with Lyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are players suspended for the first matchday of the Champions League?

Most suspensions are the direct result of red cards or accumulated yellow cards issued during the final European matches of the preceding season, spanning the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

Do domestic league red cards count in the Champions League?

How many matches do players usually miss for a straight red card?