Despite a Precious Win Over Alavés… Real Madrid Faces a Blow That Could Cost Them the League and the Cup
Real Madrid managed to overcome Deportivo Alavés in Round 31 of La Liga with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Eduardo Camavinga in the 34th minute. However, the victory was overshadowed by a major blow: Kylian Mbappé, the team’s star player, received a straight red card just two minutes later (36′) following a violent tackle on Alavés player Antonio Blanco. The referee initially issued a yellow card, but after a VAR review, it was upgraded to a red for what was deemed a direct act of aggression.
Multiple Setbacks
According to Spanish sports daily AS, Mbappé is expected to face a suspension from domestic competitions imposed by the Spanish Football Federation, just as the league enters its decisive phase. Real Madrid is chasing arch-rival Barcelona, who lead the table by just four points.
The paper pointed out that if Mbappé is handed a four-match ban, he would miss the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 — a match that could determine not only the cup winner but also shift momentum in the title race. His absence might cost Real Madrid both the league and the cup titles.
Glimmers of Hope
The severity of Mbappé’s suspension depends on the disciplinary committee’s interpretation of whether his challenge was a genuine attempt to play the ball or an intentional act of violence. AS speculated that a four-match ban is unlikely, predicting instead a two- or three-match suspension, which would allow Mbappé to participate in the cup final. This is further supported by the fact that Blanco, the tackled player, was able to continue playing and did not require substitution.
The Spanish FA’s disciplinary decision is expected within the next few days. Most projections indicate a two-match suspension — one match for the red card and another for the disciplinary action — meaning Mbappé would miss matches against Atlético Madrid and Getafe. If the ban is extended, he would also be out for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and the Matchday 35 clash with Celta Vigo.
League Standings and Individual Stakes
Barcelona currently leads La Liga with 70 points, followed by Real Madrid with 66 points, and Atlético Madrid with 60.
On a personal level, the suspension could jeopardize Mbappé’s bid for the Golden Boot. The 26-year-old French striker has 23 goals, trailing Barcelona’s veteran forward Robert Lewandowski, who leads the scoring charts with 25 goals.
