Real Madrid has received a significant boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal, as four players under investigation by UEFA have been cleared to play.
Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Dani Ceballos were scrutinized for alleged indecent conduct during their last-16 victory over Atletico Madrid but will now be available for the upcoming matches.
The controversy stemmed from gestures made towards Atletico fans following Real Madrid’s dramatic penalty shootout win.
UEFA announced on Friday that no disciplinary proceedings would be brought against Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr, while the other three players faced penalties for violating “the basic rules of decent conduct” under article 11(2)(b) of UEFA’s disciplinary regulations.
France striker Mbappe, 26, and Germany defender Rudiger, 32, were handed suspended one-match bans and fined £25,000 (30,000 euros) and £35,000 (40,000 euros), respectively. Spain midfielder Ceballos, 28, received a £17,000 (20,000 euros) fine but avoided suspension.
Real Madrid will now head into the first leg at Emirates Stadium on April 8 with their full squad intact, followed by the second leg at the Bernabeu on April 16.
The reigning European champions aim to continue their quest for a record-extending 16th Champions League title.
