Real Madrid begins UCL with three midfielders ruled out

The start of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League brings bad news for several teams: some players will miss the first matchday due to suspensions carried over from last season. According to L'Équipe, Real Madrid is hit particularly hard.

Three key absences for Madrid

Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are both unavailable. As L'Équipe explains, each received a red card during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern (3-4).

The third forced absence is Bernardo Silva. L'Équipe notes that he is also serving a sanction after receiving the same type of red card in a game while he was still at the Manchester City, against Real Madrid.

With these three midfielders out, José Mourinho will have to reshuffle his engine room for the first matchday against Inter Milan, set for Tuesday at 21:00.

Other suspended players

Beyond Madrid, L'Équipe also highlights more cases across Europe. The Barça game against Feyenoord will be without Eric Garcia (Wednesday at 18:45).

And in Germany, Borussia Dortmund faces Villarreal with defensive issues, missing Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaïni for the match on Tuesday at 21:00.