Yellow Cards and Big Moments: Real Madrid’s Midfield Put to the Test Against Betis

Match Preview

Real Madrid are gearing up for a January start with a La Liga clash against Real Betis today, Sunday, in round 18.

While focus centers on how Xabi Alonso will handle the absence of French star Kylian Mbappé, the coach also faces a midfield dilemma with Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Tchouaméni is on the brink of a suspension after collecting four yellow cards in La Liga this season, picked up against Espanyol, Villarreal, Getafe, and Valencia; a fifth would rule him out of the Levante match.

The numbers underline his importance for Madrid, with 23 appearances across all competitions and over 1,800 minutes on the pitch, plus one goal and five assists.

Additionally, five Real Madrid players sit on three yellow cards in La Liga, putting them two cautions away from suspension; the names listed include several squad veterans.

Punchline 1: If yellow cards were boxes to check, Tchouaméni would own the entire inventory.

Punchline 2: Madrid's midfield is so well-guarded that even the ball files a safety report.