Mbappe given one-match ban for tackle in Alaves match

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will serve a one-match suspension following his tackle on Alaves’ Antonio Blanco, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday.

The Frenchman was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s game against Alaves for a violent challenge on midfielder Blanco, with the referee overturning his initial decision to give him a yellow after a VAR review.

The RFEF’s Disciplinary Committee ruled the dismissal warranted the minimum one-match sanction under article 130 of its regulations.

Following the incident, Mbappe apologised to Blanco and his Real Madrid teammates. He will miss Real’s next game against Athletic on Sunday.

Alaves’ Manu Sanchez, who was sent off for a similar challenge on Vinicius Junior in the same match, will also serve a one-match ban.

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— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 15, 2025

Mbappe’s red card came four minutes after Eduardo Camavinga scored what proved to be the only goal as Madrid saw out a 1-0 win against Alaves.

The win moved Carlo Ancelotti’s side within four points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona, who were themselves 1-0 winners at Leganes on Saturday.

Mbappe has scored 22 goals and assisted three more in 29 LaLiga appearances since arriving at Real Madrid.

Speaking after Madrid’s win, assistant manager Davide Ancelotti said of Mbappe’s challenge: “Kylian is certainly not a violent guy.

“He is a guy who has apologised and is aware of the mistake he has made. Surely it was a clear red card, and he has paid the consequences.

“I think that the many small fouls that were committed against him have made him react in this way, which is the wrong way to react. I’m not justifying it, but I think that’s why it happened.”