Real Madrid were shown up again by eternal rivals Barcelona for a third time in El Clasico this season, collapsing in extra time to a 3-2 loss after a second-half surge gave them hopes of a Remontada. Star attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham was arguably the biggest protagonist of the game, once again practically wlling Real back in the game with snapping tackles and timely pressing in the opposition half to create chances from nothing.
Yet for all the good that Bellingham did, there was a concern that the final minutes of the game, in addition to the loss itself, would blight the good Jude did. He was one of three players red carded during the Antoino Rudiger-induced melee. Rudiger launched a projectile at the referee and will likely face a lengthy suspension as a result of his actions.
Real Madrid starters Lucas Vazquez and Jude Bellingham were also given red card suspensions, which was of concern to Madridistas. Severe enough suspensions can often carry into LaLiga fixtures, and with just five games left in the 2024/25 season and a deficit against Barcelona, whom Real will face again in two weeks, the margin for error is zero.
Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez won't be suspended in LaLiga
Thankfully for Real Madrid, according to a report from Relevo's Daniel Dominguez, Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez will not have to serve their suspensions in LaLiga this season. Both players will serve suspension for their red cards in the Copa del Rey Final in the Copa del Rey next season.
While it's obviously not ideal that these two important players couldn't keep their heads, it is a relief for Real Madrid that they won't have to miss them this season. Vazquez maybe less so, but he is still a part of the squad at right back. But Bellingham's absence in the next Clasico or any other LaLiga encounter would have been a massive blow to Real's title hopes, especially with Rudiger already likely out.
Per Relevo, Bellingham is expected to miss two to three matches, while Vazquez will likely miss two in the next Copa del Rey. Of course, Vazquez may end up getting the last laugh here if he leaves LaLiga, because his contract with Real Madrid is expiring this summer transfer window, and it's looking more and more like the captain will not see his contract renewed by the club after suffering a massive decline in performance in the 2024/25 season.