Real Madrid receives early El Clasico boost as defender gets suspension reduced

• Real Madrid have been faced with numerous defensive problems this season
• The La Liga club were headed into El Clasico with only one available central defender
• The Spanish giant have received a timely boost with the suspension of a defender reduced

Real Madrid has encountered a series of defensive challenges at the onset of the 2023/24 season. Their woes in defence began when their first-choice central defender, Eder Militao, suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the opening match against Athletic Club.

Carlo Ancelotti's team faced even more issues when Austrian defender David Alaba had to be substituted in the first half of their home victory against Las Palmas.

As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. Matters worsened rapidly for Los Blancos when their ever-reliable defender and captain was shown a red card for an unnecessary tackle in the away victory against Girona.

Real Madrid's captain faces potential absence in Barcelona clash following apology from Florentino Perez

Football

According to reports from Madrid Universal, the La Liga giants were compelled to field an improvised central defensive duo, comprising Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Aurelien Tchoumeni, during their win against Osasuna. It appeared that this makeshift defensive pairing might persist as Real Madrid entered a crucial phase of the season, which included a clash with arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico. However, Ancelotti's side has now received a much-needed boost before the key fixture.

Real Madrid gets early Clasico boost

With Militao out for the season and uncertainty surrounding Alaba's fitness the club decided to appeal defender Nacho's red card despite the slim odds of the suspension being reduced.

However, reports from the media outlet Diario AS have indicated that the 33-year-old captain's suspension has been reduced from three to two games. This reduction is attributed to the fact that the Spanish defender does not have a history of making malicious tackles, and he demonstrated sportsmanship by openly apologising to Cristian Portu, the Girona striker he dangerously tackled.

Jude Bellingham produces assist of the season contender with trivela pass: Video

Football

Nacho's early return for Real Madrid means they no longer need to deploy a midfielder in defence against Barcelona. Furthermore, if Alaba is fit for the encounter, Ancelotti will have a multitude of defenders at his disposal, including the flexibility to adjust his team's formation for the match.

Bellingham clinches another award

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Jude Bellingham continues to silence his critics while consistently impressing fans in the heart of the Spanish capital.

The former Borussia Dortmund sensation, whose high-profile move from the German club was initially met with scepticism, has seamlessly integrated into the ranks of Los Blancos.

His string of explosive showings in the Spanish capital earned him both the La Liga Player of the Month and Real Madrid Player of the Month awards in his inaugural month at Los Blancos.