Arsenal`s Champions League campaign could receive a significant lift as four Real Madrid key players are under UEFA investigation, potentially leading to bans for the upcoming quarter-final match.
Star forwards Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, along with defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, are being officially investigated by UEFA for their actions during the Champions League last-16 game against Atletico Madrid.
A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will investigate the allegations of “indecent conduct” against these four players.
The incidents in question reportedly happened during Real Madrid`s victory over Atletico Madrid on March 12 in the second leg of their last-16 tie.
The potential punishment for the players, if found guilty, is currently unknown.
However, if they are banned, it could significantly benefit Arsenal, especially as the Gunners are currently dealing with injuries to several key players.
Arsenal is scheduled to play against Real Madrid on April 8 for the first leg at home, with the second leg at the Bernabeu the following week.
Vinicius and Mbappe are currently the top scorers for Real Madrid in the Champions League this season, each having scored seven goals.
Real Madrid progressed to the quarter-finals after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory following a 2-2 aggregate score against Atletico.
The match was filled with tension, particularly after a Julian Alvarez penalty for Atletico was controversially disallowed by VAR.
Atletico Madrid is believed to have officially complained to UEFA, prompting the current investigation.
Vinicius is reported to be at the center of the probe, accused of making provocative gestures towards Atletico fans both during and after the match.
Despite being a frequent target of abuse, including racist insults, Vinicius reportedly engaged in confrontations with home fans before and after the shootout.
After missing a penalty during regular time and being substituted in extra time, he allegedly taunted fans by pointing to the Real Madrid badge on his jacket.
Rudiger is accused of making a throat-slitting gesture towards the Atletico supporters.
Ceballos is under investigation for allegedly making an obscene gesture before celebrating the victory with Jude Bellingham.
Rudiger, who previously won the Champions League with Chelsea, performed a celebratory high-knee dance after scoring the winning penalty, which was imitated by many of his teammates.
Mbappe is reported to have made a gesture considered derogatory, involving touching his genitals.
Real Madrid is expected to argue that their players were provoked by objects thrown at them by Atletico fans. The UEFA investigation will determine if Rudiger, Ceballos, Vinicius, and Mbappe will face charges for their actions.
