Reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid have kept their UEFA Champions League campaign alive despite their performance in the league phase of the revamped tournament being disappointing by their own standards. Madrid had failed to finish among the top-10 at the end of the league phase in which Liverpool and arch-rivals Barcelona occupied the top two spots.
‘Los Blancos’ however, have been on the rise since thrashing English champions Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate in the Knockout playoffs before beating city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties after the two sides finished level on two goals each at the end of their second meeting.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side face Arsenal in the quarter-finals, with the first leg taking place at the latter’s home ground of the Emirates Stadium in London on 8 April.
However, before turning their attention towards their trip to the Gunners’ backyard, they will have to deal with another little issue – that of a UEFA investigation against some of their players.
Why Mbappe, Vinicius and other Madrid players are under UEFA investigation
UEFA opened an investigation into four Real Madrid stars including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on Thursday for alleged “indecent conduct” during their Champions League last 16 win over Atletico Madrid.
Madrid’s two superstar forwards, as well as defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, face potential punishment ahead of their quarter-final first leg clash at Arsenal.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players,” said the European football governing body in a statement.
Spanish media reports suggested Real Madrid players are being scrutinised by UEFA for the manner of their celebrations after the win.
UEFA and Real Madrid did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.
Record 15-time champions and current holders Madrid beat their rivals on penalties at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium on March 12 after a 2-2 aggregate draw.
The night ended in controversy after Atletico forward Julian Alvarez had a penalty controversially disallowed in the shoot-out for supposedly touching the ball twice.