Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was shown a straight red card in the 38th minute of the La Liga match against Alaves, managed by Carlo Ancelotti. Shortly after Alaves scored the first goal with a strike from French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappe made a dangerous tackle on Alaves` Antonio Blanco. VAR intervened, and the referee decided to send Mbappe off with a straight red card.
Beyond the French star`s disappointing performance, Real Madrid supporters are now concerned about the potential consequences of this red card. Mbappe could be suspended for upcoming matches, possibly including the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona on April 26.
Assistant coach Davide Ancelotti, son of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, commented after the game, stating, `Kylian isn`t a violent player, for sure; he has apologized and is aware of his mistake. It was a clear red-card challenge, and he is facing the consequences.`
Davide Ancelotti also suggested that, `All the minor fouls committed against him provoked his reaction. It wasn`t the correct response, and I`m not excusing it, but that`s what occurred.`
The severity of the suspension depends on the referee`s report. If the report classifies Mbappe`s tackle as a `serious offense,` he could receive a multi-game suspension. A ban of four games or more would cause him to miss the final. Spanish FA rules stipulate that only suspensions exceeding four games apply to cup competitions, including the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona in Seville on April 26.
According to Opta statistics, Mbappe`s red card marks only the second time a Real Madrid striker has been sent off in the first half of a La Liga game in the 21st century, with Ruud van Nistelrooy being the first in 2008 against Atletico de Madrid. Despite a remarkable first season at Real Madrid, where Mbappe has already scored 32 goals in 47 appearances, matching Cristiano Ronaldo`s debut season record, this red card against Alaves could be seen as a low point in his Real Madrid career, potentially impacting their chances in the final.
Further updates on this developing story will be provided as information becomes available.
