Real Madrid were somewhat fortunate to have a reduced number of players away with their nations during the international break, and those that travelled have managed to come through unscathed – although there are still matches to be played, namely in South America for the likes of Federico Valverde.

However, it was still an eventful period for some of Real Madrid’s stars, including Aurelien Tchouameni. The midfielder, who is poised to be a crucial player this season, was in action for France in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday, but he was unable to see out the 90 minutes.

Fortunately for Real Madrid, there was no injury, but rather, he was sent off. In the 68th minute, a VAR check confirmed that Tchouameni was dismissed for a crunching challenge on Iceland’s Jon Thorsteinsson, who had to be substituted soon after the incident as he was seen struggling with the after-effects.

Tchouaméni's Red Card 😂

— Maddox (@Maddox_CFC) September 9, 2025

And while this is bad news for Tchouameni going forward as he will now serve a suspension, Real Madrid will be pleased. There will be a hope that he is banned for at least two matches by UEFA, as this would ensure that he is not called up by Didier Deschamps during the next international break in October, when France face off against Azerbaijan and Iceland.

Mixed fortunes for Real Madrid’s French stars against Iceland

France were able to see out the victory despite Tchouameni’s indiscretion – just, as Iceland had a goal disallowed late on. This was helped by Kylian Mbappe scoring the opener from the penalty spot just before half time – and it was a significant strike from the forward, as he is now second on the all-time top goalscorers list for Les Bleus, having overtaken Thierry Henry to go behind former international teammate OIivier Giroud on his own.