On the opening matchday of the Champions League, Real Madrid defeated Inter Milan 2‑1. Late in the contest, Vinicius Junior was substituted off but took longer than 10 seconds to exit the pitch. This triggered the new season’s substitution rule, preventing Álvaro Carreras from coming on and forcing Real Madrid to play with ten men for two minutes.
In the 87th minute, Vinicius Junior was withdrawn. His slow exit exceeded the 10‑second limit and activated the substitution rule. Álvaro Carreras stood by the touchline unable to enter play, and Real Madrid were reduced to ten players for two minutes. It was not until the 89th minute, when Real Madrid finally cleared the ball out for a goal kick inside their own box, that Álvaro Carreras was allowed to take the field.
New substitution rule: A substituted player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds after the substitution board is raised, or upon the referee’s signal if no board is used. If the player fails to depart on time, they still have to leave the pitch, but the substitute can only enter at the first stoppage after one full minute of match time has elapsed. The team plays with one fewer player during this period.
The referee raised the substitution board at 86:31, and Vinicius Junior left the pitch at 86:55.
Álvaro Carreras waited on the touchline for a stoppage in play.
In the 89th minute, Álvaro Carreras finally entered the match.
