UEFA fines three Real Madrid stars after Madrid derby

Mbappe fined €30k, Rudiger €40k, Ceballos €20k

Vinicius avoids ban despite controversial gestures

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Cadena SER, UEFA has issued financial penalties and suspended one-match bans to Mbappe (€30,000), Rudiger (€40,000), and Ceballos (€20,000) for their actions following Madrid’s round of 16 Champions League win over Atletico. The punishments stem from celebrations and gestures made by the trio after Madrid's dramatic penalty shootout victory.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The incident unfolded after Rudiger’s winning penalty, which sealed Los Blancos' spot in the quarter-finals. Madrid players ran toward their fans to celebrate, prompting objects to be thrown from Atletico supporters. Los Rojiblancos accused the players of provoking the crowd, while Madrid defended their stars, claiming they were reacting to hostility and missiles from the stands.

Interestingly, Vinicius Jr., who also made gestures referencing Madrid’s 15 Champions League titles and Atletico’s zero, was not punished. UEFA ruled his actions weren’t severe enough to warrant a ban.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rudiger, Mbappe, and Ceballos received suspended one-match UEFA bans, which will only be enforced if they commit a similar offense again. Additionally, UEFA fined Los Blancos €15,000 and issued a warning over a fan’s Nazi salute. If such behavior is repeated, the club could face a ban on selling away tickets in UEFA competitions.

WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

Unless any of the three players repeat the behaviour, they won’t serve their bans. However, the club have been warned, and future incidents will trigger automatic suspensions and possibly tighter sanctions. Madrid must now ensure player conduct remains in check especially in high-pressure knockout ties to avoid further run-ins with UEFA’s disciplinary committee. (GOAL)