Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe was shown a straight red card in the 38th minute of the La Liga match against Alaves, coached by Carlo Ancelotti. Shortly after Alaves took the lead with a goal from Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappe committed a reckless challenge on Alaves` Antonio Blanco. VAR intervened, and the referee decided to send Mbappe off.
Beyond the French star`s poor performance, Real Madrid supporters are also concerned about the potential consequences of the red card. It could lead to Mbappe missing the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on April 26.
Assistant coach Davide Ancelotti stated after the game, `Kylian is not a violent player. He apologized and acknowledges his mistake. It was a clear red-card challenge, and he is facing the consequences. The numerous fouls against him provoked his reaction, which was wrong, but that`s what occurred.`
The possibility of Mbappe missing the final depends on the referee`s report. If the tackle is described as a `serious offense,` it could result in a suspension of four or more games, making him ineligible for the Copa del Rey final. Spanish FA rules stipulate that only bans exceeding four games apply to cup competitions, including the Copa del Rey final on April 26 in Sevilla between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
According to Opta, Mbappe is only the second Real Madrid player sent off in the first half of a La Liga game in the 21st century, following Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2008. Despite a strong debut season at Real Madrid, with 32 goals in 47 matches, matching Cristiano Ronaldo`s debut season tally, this red card is a low point and could significantly impact the upcoming final.
