Real Madrid defender Nacho has suspension reduced: will he play in El Clásico against Barcelona?

Relief for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti. Club captain Nacho will be able to play for Real Madrid in El Clásico against Barcelona on 28 October. The Spanish Soccer Federation’s (RFEF) appeals committee met on Monday to discuss Los Blancos’ appeal against the initial three-match suspension handed down to the defender following his reckless challenge on Girona winger Portu on 30 September.

How many matches will Nacho be suspended for?

And the decision has been made to reduce his ban to two matches, which means he will not be allowed to feature in Madrid’s first LaLiga fixture after the international break, away to Sevilla on 21 October, but will be available to return for trip to Catalonia the following week.

Real Madrid’s issues in central defence

The news will be music to Ancelotti’s ears, as the Italian would have been somewhat short on central defenders for the game at Montjuïc otherwise. As it stands, Antonio Rüdiger will be at his disposal, although the German is walking on a disciplinary tightrope and will be suspended for El Clásico if he receives a fifth yellow card of the season in Seville. David Alaba, meanwhile, may return from injury but hasn’t had any game time since 27 September.

In Los Meregunes’ last league game against Osasuna, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni was forced to play as a makeshift centre-back. “I hope I don’t have to do it again, but I think I played a good game!” he joked afterwards. Reserve team captain Álvaro Carrillo has been named on the bench as cover in the last two matches.

Portu availablility forms part of Real Madrid appeal

Real Madrid’s defensive issues will therefore be eased considerably by Nacho’s availability, with the RFEF confirming the appeal had been “partially” successful. The LaLiga giants had tried to reduce their captain’s suspension to just one match, claiming the incident wasn’t serious enough to warrant a three-match ban (Portu being able to feature in Girona’s match-day squad for their next match away to Cádiz formed part of their argument).

In a statement, the RFEF confirmed the sanction had been reduced but to two games, with Madrid and Nacho also forced to pay fines of €700 and €600 respectively.