I can also share my experience end of last season.
I have two 9 star players (AML and ST).
My ST got a direct Red card on the 2nd leg semi final of the Cup. I reached the final and lost without my ST.
My AML got a yellow card on the 2nd leg semi final of the Champions League (62minutes). I reached the final and lost without my AML.

Suspicious? 🤔🤔