Real Madrid's young star faces UCL ban risk

Real Madrid is set to face Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. The team is already dealing with potential absences, as key players Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are at risk of missing both matches against City. Bellingham has an outside chance of playing in the second leg but is confirmed to miss the first. This leaves a midfield spot open, with Eduardo Camavinga favored, but 18-year-old Thiago Pitarch also in contention after impressing coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Pitarch has become a fixture in the first team, making a return to lower categories unlikely. However, playing in another Champions League match with the first team, such as the upcoming tie against Manchester City, would render him ineligible for the UEFA Youth League.