On April 13th, in a high-stakes La Liga Matchday 31 clash, Real Madrid visited Alavés.
However, the spotlight was not on the final scoreline, but rather on an impulsive and potentially season-defining act by Real Madrid’s star forward, Kylian Mbappé.
The Frenchman completely lost his composure in the first half, committing two dangerous fouls in quick succession—the second of which saw him sent off with a straight red card after VAR review.
The incident could now see Mbappé suspended for several crucial matches, including the Copa del Rey final and a potential season-deciding El Clásico.
Mbappé’s Meltdown: Two Reckless Challenges Spark Chaos
From the opening whistle, Mbappé appeared agitated and frequently clashed with Alavés defenders.
In the 27th minute, his frustration boiled over. Battling for position with Alavés No.12 Mauricio, Mbappé suddenly lashed out, striking the opponent’s upper back with his forearm.
Though he didn’t hit Mauricio’s head, the action clearly caused the defender to lose balance and hit the ground hard.
While the referee stopped play and signaled a foul, no card was issued—a decision that sparked heated debate across the stadium and commentary booths.
“That’s a clear yellow,” said one TV analyst. Many fans went further, arguing the aggressive intent alone merited a straight red.
But that moment was merely a prelude to what followed.
In the 38th minute, Mbappé committed an even more egregious foul. In a situation where he had virtually no chance of winning the ball, he launched into a reckless tackle from the side, planting his studs directly into the lower leg of Alavés midfielder Blanco.
Blanco collapsed in agony, requiring immediate medical attention.
Initially, the referee issued a yellow card. But after consulting VAR and seeing the severity of the tackle in slow motion, he reversed the call and sent Mbappé off with a straight red.
It was Mbappé’s first red card since joining Real Madrid, and his fourth in his professional career—the first in over six years.
Facing Lengthy Ban: Likely to Miss Copa del Rey Final & El Clásico
According to Mundo Deportivo, La Liga’s disciplinary committee has already been notified, and under league regulations, Mbappé’s challenge is likely to fall under the “serious foul play” category—starting with a three-match ban.
However, given the violent nature of the challenge and perceived intent to injure, a four or even five-game suspension is now widely expected.
If Mbappé is handed a five-match ban, he will miss: April 27: Copa del Rey Final vs Barcelona, May 12: La Liga Matchday 35 – El Clásico vs Barcelona and 3 additional critical league matches.
For Real Madrid, who are gunning for a domestic double, this would be a nightmare scenario.
The Copa del Rey final is one of the season’s crown jewels, and the El Clásico could very well determine the league title race. Losing their offensive spearhead at such a crucial juncture is a massive blow.
Spanish Media & Fans Demand “Zero Tolerance”
Spanish outlets have been quick to criticize Mbappé’s conduct. AS headlined: “Mbappé was not Real’s leader tonight—he was their biggest liability.” Mundo Deportivo went further: “His actions weren’t just reckless—they were a violation of footballing ethics.”
Even Real Madrid fans, who are typically protective of their stars, were vocal in their disappointment. Social media lit up with criticism: “This isn’t leadership—it’s immaturity.” “If we lose the title because of this, Mbappé must take responsibility.”
Under Pressure Since Arrival: Time for Mbappé to Reflect?
Mbappé arrived at the Bernabéu with astronomical expectations and has largely delivered on the stat sheet. But with that spotlight comes pressure—and signs of impatience and frustration have surfaced several times throughout the season.
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This red card wasn’t just a lapse in judgment. It was a manifestation of the mental toll, and perhaps a sign that he’s still adjusting to life at a club where composure, discipline, and leadership are as important as talent.
Ancelotti’s Dilemma: Fill the Void and Stabilize the Squad
With Mbappé facing suspension, manager Carlo Ancelotti must now recalibrate his tactical approach. The burden will fall on Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and others to step up and maintain the team’s attacking potency.
But more importantly, Ancelotti must keep the squad emotionally balanced. A breakdown in morale or focus during this stretch could derail what was shaping up to be a dream season for Los Blancos.
A Red Card With Ripple Effects
Mbappé’s red card was more than a momentary lapse—it could become a turning point in Real Madrid’s season.
From disciplinary hearings to lost momentum and fractured confidence, the impact will be felt beyond just the scoreboard.
For Mbappé, this could be a much-needed wake-up call. For Real Madrid, a stress test of their depth and resilience and for La Liga, perhaps a season-defining episode.
One thing is certain: the coming weeks will tell us whether this moment becomes a footnote—or a fatal blow to Madrid’s trophy ambitions.
