Arnau Ortiz misses Atlético clash against Liverpool due to red card from two years ago

Spanish winger Arnau Ortiz will be absent for Atlético's clash against Liverpool on Wednesday, as they kick off their campaign in the UEFA Champions League, due to a European ban that dates back over two years.

The story dates back to August 2024, when Ortiz was playing for Polish club Śląsk Wrocław, where he was sent off against Swiss side St. Gallen in the qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League, after receiving two yellow cards within minutes of entering the pitch in extra time.

Arnau Ortiz received the first yellow card for simulation inside the penalty area, before receiving a second for protesting the decision, leading to his dismissal from the match. Since his team was eliminated from the competition afterwards, the player was unable to serve his suspension.

Arnau Ortiz has moved to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2025, but he spent last season with the reserve team before being promoted to the first team this season. Since he has not played any European matches since the incident in 2024, the suspension remains in place, transferring with him to Atlético Madrid and will be enforced against Liverpool.

Consequently, Arnau Ortiz will not be able to make his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield, despite participating in three of Atlético's first four matches in LaLiga this season.

The irony is that a red card he received over two years ago, while playing for a Polish team, now prevents him from participating in one of the standout matches of his career with Atlético.