Saka Carvajal Tunnel Incident Sparks UEFA Investigation After Champions League Clash

Saka and Carvajal tunnel incident sparks UEFA probe after Real Madrid defender confronts Arsenal star during Champions League quarter-final.

The Bukayo Saka and Carvajal tunnel incident has sparked widespread attention following Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid. During half-time of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, injured Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal confronted Saka in the tunnel—a move that may trigger disciplinary action from UEFA.

According to multiple reports, the altercation began when Carvajal—recovering from an ACL injury and not part of the matchday squad—approached Saka in the tunnel. Allegedly upset over Saka’s earlier Panenka-style penalty attempt, which was saved by Thibaut Courtois, Carvajal grabbed Saka by the neck in what appeared to be a show of frustration.

Tensions Escalate in the Bernabéu Tunnel

Although the exact words exchanged remain unclear, sources like Marca and The Mirror suggest Carvajal may have been taunting Saka over the missed penalty. Arsenal substitute Ben White and staff members quickly intervened to de-escalate the situation, allowing Saka to exit the scene without further incident.

UEFA Rules Could Lead to Ban

Importantly, UEFA regulations clearly prohibit non-participating players from entering restricted areas like the tunnel during matches. As a result, Carvajal violated conduct rules by showing up in that space, and UEFA could issue a ban—just as it has done in previous cases involving unauthorized access.

Despite the controversy, Arsenal secured a 2-1 win on the night and a 5-1 aggregate victory, advancing to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009. Saka redeemed himself with a composed second-half goal, demonstrating resilience and focus under pressure.

Ultimately, the Saka and Carvajal tunnel incident underscores the emotional intensity and high stakes of football’s biggest competitions. As UEFA reviews the confrontation, fans and pundits alike await potential disciplinary outcomes while Arsenal continues its pursuit of European glory.

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