Mbappé and Rüdiger fined but escape suspension and won’t miss Arsenal tie

Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti let out a sigh sigh of relief after UEFA’s ruling on Friday. In the end, their worst fears did not materialize. The Italian coach will be able to rely on Antonio Rüdiger for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal.

UEFA ultimately decided not to suspend Rüdiger following the events of March 12 during celebrations after eliminating Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano. Instead, the center-back must pay a €40,000 ($43K) fine but could potential be served a one-match suspension if he re-offends at any point within the next 12 months.

Madrid players fined for celebrating won over Atleti

The same applies to Kylian Mbappé, who was handed a €30,000 ($32K) fine. Dani Ceballos has been fined €20,000 ($21.5K), while Vinícius has been completely exonerated from any disciplinary proceedings.

Today, 23 days after that match and just four days before Madrid face Arsenal, UEFA has officially closed its investigation into the "indecent conduct" displayed by four Real Madrid players during the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Atlético at the Metropolitano.

The events under UEFA’s disciplinary scrutiny took place after the match concluded, when Rüdiger—who had just scored the decisive penalty—and the rest of the Real Madrid squad headed toward the north end of the Metropolitano to celebrate their victory with the away fans. Including Ceballos who was injured and not in the matchday squad.

Amidst a barrage of objects thrown from areas occupied by Atlético fans, UEFA identified several actions by Real Madrid players that it deemed contrary to proper sportsmanship. However, 23 days later, UEFA has decided not to impose any immediate punishments on the four Madrid players involved. This ruling allows them to fully concentrate on Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Arsenal.

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