Kylian Mbappe’s shocking red card against Alaves has compounded Real Madrid’s recent struggles, with the French superstar facing a potential suspension that could impact crucial upcoming fixtures.
The incident occurred during Madrid’s narrow 1-0 lead when Mbappe, seemingly frustrated after an earlier challenge went unpunished, lunged recklessly at Antonio Blanco with his studs up. Initially shown a yellow card, VAR intervention correctly upgraded the punishment to a straight red – a decision neither Mbappe nor the Madrid coaching staff contested.
This dismissal comes at a particularly challenging time for Los Blancos, who entered the match reeling from consecutive defeats and having conceded nine goals in their previous three games. The suspended Carlo Ancelotti, watching from an executive box, could only observe as his team’s difficulties mounted.
While Mbappe will be available for Madrid’s crucial Champions League second leg against Arsenal – where they must overcome a three-goal deficit – his participation in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona remains uncertain. Spanish football regulations allow La Liga suspensions to carry over to other domestic competitions if a player receives a ban of four or more matches.
The red card highlighted Mbappe’s ineffectiveness during the match, where he was limited to just eight passes and a single touch in the opposition box during his 38 minutes on the pitch. This performance continues a somewhat underwhelming start to his Madrid career, with the Frenchman struggling to consistently produce the dominant displays that defined his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Madrid’s recent defensive fragility and attacking inconsistency have raised questions about their ability to compete on multiple fronts this season. The team that dominated Spanish and European football last year now appears vulnerable, with Mbappe’s disciplinary issues adding another layer of complexity to Ancelotti’s challenges.
The length of Mbappe’s suspension will be determined after referee Cesar Soto Grado submits his official report, leaving Madrid anxiously awaiting a decision that could significantly impact their pursuit of domestic silverware.
