The Union of European Football Associations officially announced the suspension of Real Madrid's star, Rodrigo Goes, for two matches in the UEFA Champions League, meaning his absence from both the first and second legs of Real Madrid's encounter against Benfica.

The decision came a week after his expulsion in the match that ended with Benfica's 3-2 victory in the final round of the league stage of the UEFA Champions League, following what the committee described as the use of "abusive language" towards referee Davide Massa.

The incident occurred in the 96th minute of the match, after Asensio was sent off, leaving Real Madrid to finish the game with only nine players, as Rodrigo had a yellow card and received a direct red card after approaching the referee and expressing his dissatisfaction.

As a result, Rodrigo will only be available for La Liga matches in February against Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Osasuna, but he will miss the two-legged playoff against Benfica for qualification to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Additionally, the Union of European Football Associations imposed a financial fine of 40,000 euros on both Real Madrid and Benfica, along with a warning to coaches Mourinho and Arbeloa for delaying the start of the second half.