In a twist that could disrupt Real Madrid’s La Liga momentum, star midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni teeters on the edge of a one-match ban ahead of tonight’s showdown with Girona. The French international has racked up four yellow cards this season, leaving him just one caution away from an automatic suspension under La Liga’s strict disciplinary protocol. As the Blancos chase Barcelona at the top of the table, losing Tchouaméni even for a single game could expose vulnerabilities in Xabi Alonso’s meticulously crafted engine room.
The high-stakes encounter unfolds at Estadi Montilivi on December 1, 2025, with kickoff slated for 1:30 AM IST. Tchouaméni, a linchpin in Alonso’s 4-3-3 setup, is primed to anchor the midfield alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham. His composure in high-pressure duels and aerial prowess have been instrumental in Madrid’s title push, contributing to their recent 4-3 Champions League thriller over Olympiacos. Yet, his disciplinary record marked by needless fouls in heated exchanges has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
A yellow in Girona would trigger La Liga’s rule: players hitting five bookings before matchday 19 sit out the next fixture. For Tchouaméni, that means missing Real Madrid’s home clash against Athletic Club, a notoriously tough opponent known for their Basque grit and counter-attacking flair. With the season’s midpoint approaching, Alonso faces a tactical headache potentially shuffling Eduardo Camavinga into the holding role or deploying a more attacking pivot, which might unbalance the side against Bilbao’s relentless press.
Tchouaméni’s form has been a silver lining amid Madrid’s injury woes, but this looming threat underscores the fine line between aggression and indiscretion in elite football. Girona, fighting relegation with just two wins, will no doubt target his fiery temperament to disrupt Madrid’s rhythm. Pundits predict a cagey affair, but a clean sheet from Tchouaméni could prove priceless.
