Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz Banned for Three Champions League Games After Dangerous Tackle on Hakimi

When Luis Fernando Díaz Marulanda lunged in from behind to challenge Achraf Hakimi during first-half stoppage time of the UEFA Champions League clash Parc des Princes on November 4, 2025, no one expected it to derail Bayern Munich’s perfect campaign. But that’s exactly what happened. The Colombian winger, who had just scored both goals in Bayern’s 2-1 win, was handed a straight red after VAR review — not for a reckless challenge, but for something UEFA called "serious rough play." And now, he’s out for three games.

Why This Suspension Is So Harsh

Most red cards in the Champions League carry an automatic one-match ban. That’s standard. But UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body didn’t see it that way. They ruled Díaz’s tackle — a scissor-like motion that caught Hakimi’s planted right ankle — went beyond the edge of acceptable physicality. The footage showed Hakimi’s foot locked in place as Díaz’s studs came up hard and fast, twisting the ankle unnaturally. It wasn’t a late challenge. It wasn’t even a bad tackle in the traditional sense. But it was dangerous. And that’s what sealed his fate.

Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany was stunned. "We thought it was a yellow, maybe a red, but one game," he said after the decision. "Three? That’s harsh. That’s a season-altering blow." The club has formally appealed, but UEFA rarely reverses these rulings when "serious rough play" is cited. The precedent? Similar bans were handed out to Jordi Alba in 2022 and Rúben Dias in 2023 for ankle-targeting challenges — both also received three-game suspensions.

The Human Cost: Hakimi’s Injury

While Díaz’s ban makes headlines, the real victim is Achraf Hakimi. Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the 26-year-old Moroccan international will miss six weeks with a "severe ankle sprain." That’s not just a setback — it’s a blow to PSG’s defensive structure as they fight to stay competitive in the Champions League group stage. Hakimi, once a standout at Borussia Dortmund, was in career-best form this season, delivering crosses, tracking back, and pressing high. His absence leaves a void PSG can’t easily fill.

"He was the engine on that flank," said PSG assistant coach Jérôme Rothen in a post-match interview. "Not just in attack — in defense, too. He’s one of those players you don’t realize you need until he’s gone."

Bayern’s Tactical Nightmare

With Díaz sidelined, Kompany loses his most dynamic attacking outlet. The £65.5 million ($85.6 million) summer signing from Liverpool has netted 11 goals and five to seven assists in just 17 appearances across all competitions — a blistering return. His pace, dribbling, and ability to cut inside from the left have been central to Bayern’s 12-point perfect start in the Champions League league phase.

His absence forces Kompany to rethink his entire front line. Will he push Harry Kane wider? Bring in Serge Gnabry — who’s now injured too — or rely on Jamal Musiala to carry more offensive load? The upcoming match against Arsenal FC on November 26 at Emirates Stadium is now a potential turning point. A win for Arsenal would see them leapfrog Bayern at the top of the group. A loss? That’s a crisis.

And it’s getting worse. Kompany confirmed on November 22 that Gnabry, who played the full 90 minutes in Germany’s 6-0 World Cup qualifier win over Slovakia, is sidelined with a muscular strain. "He felt a twinge after returning," Kompany said. "We’ll see if he’s fit for Freiburg, but probably not."

The Bigger Picture: Bayern’s Streak Ends, But Momentum Holds

Bayern had won 16 straight matches across all competitions before their 2-2 draw with 1. FC Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. That draw was a wake-up call — but not a disaster. Now, with two key players out for crucial European fixtures, the pressure mounts. Still, they remain unbeaten in the Champions League. Their squad depth, though tested, is still among the best in Europe.

And Díaz’s ban isn’t total. He’s eligible for Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal games. That means he’ll be back for the December 1 clash with Borussia Dortmund — a huge domestic showdown. But Champions League matches? He’s gone until January 21, when he’s expected to return against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. His next European appearance? A January 28 match against PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

What’s Next?

Bayern’s appeal will be reviewed by UEFA’s Appeals Body in early December. But don’t expect a reversal. The disciplinary panel is consistent: ankle challenges from behind, especially those causing significant injury, are now treated as serious offenses. This isn’t just about punishment — it’s about deterrence.

Meanwhile, Díaz will train alone, watch from the stands, and wait. He’s not just losing games — he’s losing rhythm. At 28, he’s in his prime. One moment of poor judgment could cost him momentum in a season where Bayern are chasing a historic treble.