Kylian Mbappé’s red card during Real Madrid’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. The French superstar, who is typically known for his blistering pace and clinical finishing, found himself on the wrong side of the referee’s decision after a reckless challenge that left many fans and pundits alike stunned. With the Spanish authorities set to review the incident, there are still questions about how long Mbappé will be sidelined as he awaits his suspension.
The Incident That Shook the Santiago Bernabéu
It was a game of intense drama. Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Alavés was marred by a moment of madness from their star forward, Kylian Mbappé. The 26-year-old was sent off in the 38th minute after a horrific tackle on former Madrid academy product Antonio Blanco. As if the match wasn’t already tense enough, the red card sparked even more controversy as the referee, César Soto Grado, initially showed only a yellow card to Mbappé. However, after reviewing the footage at the pitch-side monitor, the referee had no choice but to upgrade the booking to a straight red card.
For those who witnessed the challenge live, it was nothing short of shocking. Mbappé, seemingly frustrated by a series of fouls not being awarded in his favor earlier in the match, collided with Blanco at full speed. The tackle saw Mbappé rake his studs down the shin of the Alavés midfielder, leaving Blanco in clear distress on the pitch. It was a high-stakes moment for both players, but fortunately, Blanco was able to continue after receiving medical treatment.
Despite the gravity of the incident, the red card did not ultimately cost Real Madrid, as Alavés themselves were later reduced to ten men. The match ended with a crucial 1-0 win for Los Blancos, but Mbappé’s dismissal cast a shadow over the performance. With the team’s La Liga title defense already under pressure, the Frenchman’s suspension could have a significant impact on their upcoming fixtures.
How Long Will Mbappé’s Suspension Be?
In the aftermath of Mbappé’s horror challenge, the big question on everyone’s lips is how long the 26-year-old will be banned. The disciplinary process in La Liga can be complicated, with varying degrees of punishment depending on the severity of the challenge. In this case, the punishment could range from a one-match suspension to something far more severe.
The Likely Punishment
According to reports from Spanish outlet COPE, Mbappé is expected to receive just a one-match suspension. This decision is based on the fact that the referee considered the Frenchman’s challenge to be a case of “excessive force” rather than violent conduct. The distinction between the two terms is crucial in determining the length of the suspension. Under normal circumstances, a tackle that is deemed to use excessive force, like Mbappé’s, typically results in a one to three-match ban in La Liga.
A one-match suspension would mean that Mbappé would miss Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga fixture against Athletic Club this Sunday. While the match is crucial for Madrid’s pursuit of the league title, the suspension wouldn’t be as damaging as some might fear, given that it would be limited to just one game. This would be a huge relief for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who already has to cope with several injuries in his squad.
The Potential for a Longer Suspension
However, as with any red card challenge, there remains a possibility that the suspension could be longer, depending on the interpretation of the incident by the Spanish football authorities. If the Spanish FA determines that Mbappé’s tackle constitutes “violent conduct,” as opposed to excessive force, the punishment could be significantly more severe. A ban for violent conduct typically ranges from four to twelve matches, depending on the circumstances.
Should the disciplinary panel decide that Mbappé’s tackle was violent conduct, the Frenchman could face a suspension that would see him miss not only La Liga matches but also the Copa del Rey and potentially even the Champions League. This would be a devastating blow for Real Madrid, especially with the team’s upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26th. If the suspension is long enough, Mbappé would also be unavailable for future European matches, which could have serious consequences for their campaign in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
The idea of Mbappé missing a potential Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, which is just around the corner, has left many Madridistas anxious. As one of the key players in Ancelotti’s squad, his absence in these high-profile matches would be a significant setback for the team’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.
How Is Mbappé Likely to React?
It’s safe to say that Kylian Mbappé will be deeply frustrated by the turn of events. Known for his competitive spirit and drive, the forward will no doubt be disappointed to have let his emotions get the better of him in such a critical moment of the match. After all, this is not the first time Mbappé has been involved in a controversial incident. While his talent on the pitch is undeniable, his temper has occasionally flared under pressure, as seen in this challenge against Blanco.
Mbappé is expected to appeal any suspension if it exceeds the one-match ban that is currently expected. The French forward has a history of responding to adversity by coming back stronger, and it’s likely that he will use this period of suspension to reflect and refocus his energies on helping his team in the future. With Madrid chasing Barcelona for the La Liga title and with a crucial Copa del Rey final and Champions League quarter-final looming, Mbappé’s return to action will be highly anticipated.
Which Matches Will Mbappé Miss?
If the current reports from COPE hold true, and Mbappé receives a one-match suspension, his absence would be felt primarily in La Liga. The upcoming clash against Athletic Club will be the key fixture he misses, and it’s a game that Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points in as they continue their chase for the league title.
The Impact of Mbappé’s Suspension on Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently in a tight race for the La Liga title with Barcelona, and every point counts. Losing Mbappé for even one game could prove costly, especially considering that Athletic Club, currently sitting in fourth place in the league, will be no easy opponent. Athletic’s strong defense and counter-attacking ability could pose a significant challenge to Madrid, and Mbappé’s ability to create chances and score goals could have been crucial in breaking down their defense.
However, it’s worth noting that if the suspension is longer than one match, the impact on Real Madrid’s title defense will be even more significant. A three-match ban, for example, would see Mbappé miss crucial league games against Getafe and Celta Vigo, which could make the title race even tighter. In the worst-case scenario, a four-match ban could see him miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, a match that could be crucial for Madrid’s silverware aspirations this season.
Champions League and Copa del Rey
On the positive side for Real Madrid, Mbappé will not be suspended for the Champions League or Copa del Rey matches. He will be eligible to play in the upcoming quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, and his return to European football will be highly welcomed by the Madrid faithful. Given that the Champions League is often the crown jewel of Madrid’s season, having Mbappé available for these high-stakes games is a major boost.
Conclusion
In the wake of Kylian Mbappé’s red card against Alavés, Real Madrid fans are holding their breath, waiting to find out just how long their star forward will be sidelined. While the Frenchman is expected to face a one-match suspension for his reckless challenge, there is still the possibility of a longer ban depending on the review of the incident. Whether it’s a short-term absence or a longer suspension, Madrid will need to adjust and keep their title challenge alive without one of their key players.
For Mbappé, this will be a test of his character, and how he bounces back from this setback will be closely watched by fans and critics alike. With crucial games on the horizon, Real Madrid will be hoping that their talisman will be back in action as soon as possible to continue their push for both La Liga and European glory.
