Real Madrid News
Real Madrid could face sanction after delaying restart of second half vs Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid will be heading into the international break with a major headache, with their inconsistent start to the season compounded by a 2-1 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid.
In a game that was dominated by questionable calls from the referee, another key talking point was the delayed restart, purely due to Real Madrid.
Indeed, the match’s second half started five minutes late, and the incident could now land the club in hot water.
Real Madrid could face action
According to Mundo Deportivo, referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias noted the delay in his official match report, stating that the second period began five minutes behind schedule because Real Madrid delayed their exit to the field of play.
That detail could trigger disciplinary proceedings under the RFEF’s regulations. Article 89 stipulates that when a team delays its exit to the pitch, either at the start of the match or for the second half, the club can be fined up to €3,000.
A repeated delay of this nature could be deemed incorrect conduct by the manager, potentially leading to his expulsion and a suspension of one to three matches, meaning Jose Mourinho himself could be in the firing line.
A warning likely for now
Despite the regulations, Real Madrid are unlikely to face immediate punishment on this occasion.
As has been customary in previous seasons, the RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee tends to issue a warning for a first offence rather than an outright fine or suspension.
It is only in cases of repeat offences, typically around three, that the disciplinary body imposes financial penalties on the club and considers sanctioning the coach.
For now, then, Real Madrid will most likely escape with a caution, though the episode adds to what has been a frustrating period for Mourinho’s side.
The defeat to Atletico leaves Real Madrid with plenty to ponder over the international break, and the last thing they will want is further disciplinary complications as they look to rediscover their best form.
Real Madrid News
Arsenal in contact with Real Madrid forward’s camp over potential transfer – report
Doubts about Rodrygo Goes’ long-term future at Real Madrid having been growing for some time.
The Brazilian’s situation had become uncomfortable over the past couple of seasons as he experienced a sudden decline in form. And, just when it seemed like he was about to turn things around, an ACL injury ruled him out in March earlier this year.
With Rodrygo now facing an extended spell on the sidelines, his recovery will be crucial. He is expected to return in December or January, and the club will monitor how he responds physically before determining what role he will play under Jose Mourinho.
Arsenal keeping tabs on Rodrygo
Now, according to TEAMtalk (h/t Bernabeu Digital), Arsenal are in contact with Rodrygo’s representatives over a potential future move.
The report states that the Gunners had already attempted to sign the Brazilian before his injury, and their interest has now resurfaced ahead of a possible move in the summer of 2027.
The Premier League champions had also explored the possibility of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid this past summer, before he signed a new long-term contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Now, their attention seems to have switched Vinicius’ fellow Brazilian forward who is closing in on his return from the ACL rupture.
Real Madrid want to keep Rodrygo until the summer
As already reported, Rodrygo will not leave Real Madrid in January. The intention is for the winger to regain full fitness and become available to Mourinho for the second half of the season.
Real Madrid are not considering selling the former Santos wonderkid during the January transfer window.
Instead, the club intend to reassess his situation next summer, once he has had the opportunity to recover and demonstrate his form on the pitch.
The plan is to have the Brazilian fit and available for the second half of the campaign before making a final decision at the end of the season.
Rodrygo’s performances after returning from injury, together with Mourinho’s assessment of his role in the squad, will help determine what happens next.
Depending on those factors, Real Madrid could consider allowing him to leave or decide that he still has an important future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains a possibility to watch, but Real Madrid are focused on Rodrygo’s recovery rather than negotiating a January departure.
