The role of the Brazilians in this UEFA Champions League has so far been fundamental for Real Madrid. While Vinicius Junior was key in the first leg against Chelsea, Rodrygo stole all eyes in the second leg. Éder Militão may have made fewer headlines, but he also had an outstanding performance in the quarterfinal series.
The central defender was impassable in his zone, anticipated in individual duels and even contributed with a key pass to open the scoring at Stamford Bridge. However, a single mistake cost him a yellow card that will sideline him from the first leg of the semifinal.
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Éder Militão, the great casualty of Real Madrid
The Brazilian was booked by Italian referee Daniele Orsato after a reckless foul on Kai Havertz on the wing in the 22nd minute. Militão miscalculated and arrived late to the ball, hitting the German’s foot with the tip of his booty.
In this way, he accumulated his third warning and, as dictated by the regulations, he must comply with a penalty date just in the first leg of the semifinals. He had already seen the yellow card from the substitutes’ bench in the 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stage and then in the first leg against the “Blues”.
If he had avoided this action, his account would have been reset to zero as of the semifinals. Militão’s loss will undoubtedly be a problem for Madrid, which will have to face Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the next instance.
