Tensions ran high for Dani Carvajal during Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday. The Spanish full-back lost his composure in the second half and was shown a straight red card after delivering a slight headbutt to an opponent, leaving his team with ten men at a crucial stage of the match. 

The controversial incident occurred in the 69th minute, with the score tied at 1-1. After a tussle inside the box, Carvajal and Marseille goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli confronted each other and exchanged provocations. In the midst of the heated exchange, the Real defender lightly headbutted his opponent, who theatrically fell to the ground clutching his head.

The referee initially missed the incident, but the VAR intervened and asked him to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay, the referee had no hesitation in showing Carvajal the red card, forcing the Madrid side to play the remainder of the match with one man down.

Despite the setback, Real Madrid managed to recover and found the winning goal through Kylian Mbappé, who scored in the 81st minute to seal a 2-1 victory. The result gave Los Blancos three crucial points in their quest to top the group, although Carvajal’s dismissal left a bitter note and could result in a suspension for upcoming European fixtures.