(foto: Getty Images)
Kylian Mbappe saw red for a dangerous tackle against Alaves, leaving Real Madrid a man down just days before their Champions League rematch with Arsenal.
What was Kylian Mbappe thinking? The Real Madrid star left his teammates in a difficult spot after receiving a straight red card for a dangerous foul in the first half of their La Liga clash with Alaves.
Eduardo Camavinga had given Real Madrid a deserved lead in the 34th minute, but just moments later, Mbappe undid the team’s momentum with a reckless, high challenge that caught Antonio Blanco. The French forward missed the ball completely and dangerously struck the Alaves player in the leg.
The referee had no hesitation in showing Mbappe a red card. It was a moment of madness from one of football's biggest stars — and at that point, it looked like Real would pay a heavy price.
Alaves pushed forward with the man advantage, but the game swung again in the 70th minute when Sanchez was also sent off for a second bookable offence. The red card restored the numerical balance and allowed Carlo Ancelotti’s side to regain control.
Real Madrid managed to hold their lead and secured all three points. But they will be without Mbappe in their next La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao, which could have major title implications.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Real Madrid now turn their focus to the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, where they face an uphill battle after losing 3-0 in the first leg at the Emirates.
Mbappe’s suspension adds more pressure to a team already on edge — and fans will be wondering whether his moment of recklessness could cost them more than just one league match.