Real Madrid's defensive crisis mounts with Aurelien Tchouameni suspension as Carlo Ancelotti is left with just four backline options for must-win Mallorca clash

Playing as a makeshift centre-back in El Clasico on Sunday, the 25-year-old midfielder received a yellow card for a first-half foul on Ferran Torres. The incident occurred in the 36th minute, with Tchouameni acting as Real Madrid’s last line of defence. He pushed Torres from behind, prompting referee Alejandro Hernandez to issue a booking.

As it was Tchouameni's fifth booking of the season, he will now serve a one-match suspension and miss Wednesday's must-win La Liga game with Mallorca. Carlo Ancelotti will have just four defenders available for the clash - Raul Asencio, Jesus Vallejo, Fran Garcia, and Lucas Vazquez. With Tchouameni suspended, the list of absentees has grown to seven, including Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Carvajal.

Real Madrid have lost all four Clasico games against bitter rivals Barcelona this season. Prior to Sunday’s 4-3 loss, the Catalan giants defeated Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey final (3-2), in the Spanish Super Cup final (5-2), and in the La Liga fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu (4-0).

While their title hopes are slim, Real Madrid remain mathematically alive in the race. Los Blancos trail leaders Barca by seven points, and they will need to win their next three matches - while hoping for Barcelona to drop points - to keep their dreams alive.