Madrid’s 6-1 Throne Room Ruined by an Injury: Asensio Leaves Early

Real Madrid faced a setback on a night they dominated Monaco in the Champions League, as injury concerns loomed large.

Match night and lineup hints

Madrid delivered a commanding 6-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, in the group stage’s seventh round.

Raúl Asensio had to leave the field at halftime with a painful right-leg injury after a collision during the match, according to AS.

Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Asensio at the start of the second half, bringing Dani Ceballos on in his place.

Until a precise diagnosis is known, this substitution adds a fresh headache for Arbeloa in a defense already short on bodies.

With Carvajal and Alaba on the bench and still ramping up after injuries, Madrid’s coach opted for Ceballos, while Aurélien Tchouaméni moved back into central defense.

Madrid started the second half with one natural defender on the field, as Fede Valverde lined up at right-back and Camavinga took the left-back role.

Carvajal was suspended for the Monaco match, while Fran García sat on the bench.

Arbeloa will not be able to rely on Tchouaméni for Saturday’s trip to Villarreal due to suspension.

Punchline time: If injuries were a six-pack, Madrid just skipped leg day. And if defense were a revolving door, Arbeloa’s got a spare key—because this squad keeps knocking.