Marca reveals the matches Mbappé will miss after his red card against Alaves

In a shocking turn of events during Real Madrid’s recent clash against Alavés, Kylian Mbappé received a straight red card after a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco. The incident occurred in the 38th minute, and it has since stirred widespread debate across Spain and France, especially with the Copa del Rey final looming.

Initially, the challenge was judged as a bookable offense by referee Soto Grado, who opted for a yellow card. However, after a VAR review involving Gil Manzano, the decision was upgraded to a straight red—leaving Mbappé stunned but ultimately accepting the call without protest. He walked off the pitch in silence, his frustration evident.

The foul itself was a moment of heat. Mbappé, having been denied what appeared to be a clear foul earlier in midfield, chased down the ball with uncharacteristic aggression. His studs caught Blanco squarely on the leg as they both went for the ball. While the play wasn’t malicious in intent, it was undeniably reckless.

The official match report didn’t shy away from describing the seriousness of the offense. “In the 38th minute, player (9) Mbappé Lottin, Kylian, was sent off for the following reason: for stepping on the opponent’s leg with his foot, while fighting over the ball, using excessive force.” Such wording in the referee’s statement leaves little room for interpretation and places Mbappé in danger of a significant suspension.

Depending on how the Spanish Football Federation interprets the incident, Mbappé could be facing a ban of one to three matches. While there was no injury to Blanco and the ball was clearly being contested, the excessive force cited in the referee’s report suggests that Mbappé may not escape with a minimal punishment.

Should he receive a three-match suspension, the Frenchman will miss critical fixtures: against Athletic Bilbao on April 20, Getafe on April 23, and most crucially, the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26. Real Madrid fans are holding their breath, as missing their marquee forward in El Clásico could be a devastating blow.

Marca has emphasized that while mitigating circumstances exist—such as the absence of intent and the lack of injury—Spanish disciplinary committees often use the referee’s exact wording as a guideline. The phrase “excessive force” weighs heavily and could tip the scale toward the longer ban.

In an act of sportsmanship after the match, Mbappé approached Antonio Blanco to offer a personal apology. He was seen speaking to his opponent at length, asking about his condition and expressing remorse. Blanco reportedly accepted the apology, and there was no animosity between the two players.

Mbappé also made amends with his teammates, acknowledging that his actions may have cost the team and expressing his disappointment at being unable to control his emotions in that moment. According to club sources, the player also voiced his frustration about the two uncalled fouls earlier in the game that he believed set the tone for the incident.

Real Madrid, for their part, have not defended the foul but have emphasized the inconsistency in refereeing. A club statement acknowledged that VAR made the correct call in this instance, but also questioned why similar intervention was absent in previous matches—specifically against Espanyol, where multiple controversial fouls went unchecked.

This incident has further fueled discussions around VAR’s implementation in La Liga. Critics argue that while the technology is a valuable tool, its usage remains inconsistent and at times appears selective. The Mbappé red card, while justifiable, has highlighted these inconsistencies once again.

Despite the drama, Real Madrid remain focused on the fixtures ahead. Coach Carlo Ancelotti reportedly met with Mbappé privately after the game to express disappointment but also offer support. “We win as a team, we lose as a team,” Ancelotti reportedly said, reinforcing the collective mindset within the squad.

As for the fans, opinions are divided. Some believe the punishment is justified and that Mbappé must be more disciplined, especially in high-pressure matches. Others feel he’s being unfairly targeted by referees and treated differently due to his star status and the expectations surrounding him.

Spanish sports outlets, including Marca and AS, have spent much of the past 24 hours analyzing the possible repercussions. Most agree that Mbappé’s involvement in the Copa del Rey final now hangs in the balance. With El Clásico always a season-defining match, his potential absence could tip the scale in Barcelona’s favor.

Barcelona fans, naturally, are watching the situation closely. The prospect of facing a Madrid side without Mbappé will be music to Xavi’s ears, as the French forward has proven a consistent threat since his arrival. His pace, vision, and ability to create chaos in the final third are second to none.

Should the ban be limited to one match, Mbappé would miss the Athletic game but return in time for the final. However, a three-game suspension would force Madrid to reshuffle their attacking options at a critical time in the campaign.

As of now, the final decision lies with the RFEF disciplinary committee. A verdict is expected within the next 48 hours, and Real Madrid have already prepared a statement of defense highlighting the mitigating circumstances and Mbappé’s post-match behavior.

For Mbappé, this red card is a lesson in restraint. While his passion and drive are essential parts of his game, maintaining composure is just as critical—especially when playing for a club with such high stakes.

One thing is clear: the football world is watching. Whether he plays in the Copa del Rey final or not, Mbappé’s actions have added another dramatic chapter to his first season in Spain—and the story is far from over.