UEFA rules behind Real Madrid starlet’s omission from Champions League squad

UEFA rules behind Real Madrid starlet’s omission from Champions League squad Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season. The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment. According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central ), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements. Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A. UEFA rules work against Ciria List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own. Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club. Alexis Ciria misses out on a Champions League berth. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website) Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him. With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out. Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez. Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad. They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes. Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him. The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team. Jose Mourinho gave opportunities to many youngsters during pre-season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey. The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars. Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.