Real Madrid will be without left back Marcelo for one matches in LaLiga. The ban comes as a result of his red card that was handed to him Saturday against Levante. Within just a few hours of the news of the ban coming out, Real also announced that they will be extending the contract of the Brazilian wing-back for a couple more years.
Suspension
Marcelo’s one match ban was expected to be two but after an appeal from the club, they will be without their left back for just one game. The head referee, Alejandro Jose Hernandez Hernandez, wrote in his match report that the Brazilian “kicked an opponent in the back, with the ball well away from the action”.
Even with the evidence that was provided, the Spanish Football Federation handed down a one match ban, calling the incident “a violent act but without causing injury”.
Madrid though can make an official appeal if they wish which would include two fines of €700 and €600 for the club and player respectively.
Marcelo’s sending off makes this the third sending off for Madrid this season in just five domestic fixtures.
"“It hurts to see Real Madrid, in three games, picking up the same number of sendings off as Barcelona in more than two seasons” – Alvaro Arbeloa on the referees and League"
Changing the Lineup
Marcelo will be missing just one league fixture which will be an away match against Real Sociedad. This match shouldn’t cause grave problems for Los Blancos but given the current mishaps that have happened over the past two matches, anything is possible. No chances will be taken by Zinedine Zidane as every point is important now more than ever.
The likely replacement for Marcelo over this one fixture will be Theo Hernandez. The 19-year-old, Hernandez, has only featured once for Real thus far in LaLiga and we hope for the best from the Spaniard. This opportunity will allow Theo to showcase his talent and whether it was worth Real snubbing him from Atletico.
Contract Extension
On a much more positive note, Real Madrid has opted to extend Marcelo’s contract which was set to expire in 2020 to 2022. The day started by the Brazilian signing his contract in the board room, an honorary jersey signifying his extension and a replica of the Cibeles. Marcelo appeared before the media in the press room to make the public announcement earlier today.
"“We are delighted that you will be with us for five more seasons.” -Club Director Emilio Butragueno on Marcelo’s extension"
Pic | Perez with Marcelo & his family pic.twitter.com/nYmo3xNTTq
— Real Madrid Info ³⁵ (@RMadridInfo) September 14, 2017
Much like other contract pressers we have seen the announcement will be followed by a question and answer period. Marcelo expressed his joy in the media event.
"“I am very happy and fortunate to be here, I am very happy to have arrive more than ten years ago and to sign for another five.” – Marcelo on his contract extension"
Next: Real Madrid back with nothing to prove and everything to lose