The reason why Kylian Mbappe could miss the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe was the unexpected main character in Real Madrid’s clash with Deportivo Alaves – and not for his goals or attacking flair. The French star received a straight red card in the first half after a reckless and dangerous tackle on Antonio Blanco, a former Madrid youth product now playing for the Basque side. The foul, both needless and aggressive, has sparked serious concern at Valdebebas.

There was little room for interpretation: Mbappe lunged in with excessive force, far from the ball, and the referee reacted immediately by showing the red. Real Madrid were left with ten men while holding a narrow lead, and the incident cast a shadow over what should have been a routine league fixture.

The major worry now lies not in the result, but in the potential disciplinary fallout. If the Spanish competition committee imposes a ban of more than three matches, Mbappe will be ruled out of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, scheduled for 26 April in Seville. It would be a devastating blow for the club and the player.

According to early reports, Real Madrid do not intend to appeal the red card, acknowledging that the referee's decision was correct. However, there is quiet hope that the punishment will not exceed a two-match ban in La Liga, which would allow Mbappe to return just in time for the final.

This episode draws an unfortunate parallel with a past incident: in 2019, Mbappe was sent off in a French Cup final while playing for PSG, also for a wild tackle. Years later, and in similarly high-stakes circumstances, the forward once again finds himself in the eye of the storm.

Madrid hope for leniency as final looms

While the club await an official verdict from the federation, there is optimism within the dressing room that the suspension will be minimal. With a demanding run-in and a final on the horizon, Carlo Ancelotti needs his star man ready. But one rash moment might have put his place in the biggest match of the season at serious risk.