Real Madrid achieved an important victory against Alavés. But not everything was good news for the white team. The night left a stain that has overshadowed the result: Kylian Mbappé's expulsion.
The Frenchman was involved in a very hard tackle on an Alavés player. It was an out-of-place action, totally unnecessary.
A play that got out of hand. The referee didn't hesitate, a direct red card, and Mbappé, head down, went to the locker room without protesting.
It was a gesture that surprised everyone. Even his own teammates didn't expect it. What went through his mind? What triggered that reaction?
Pedrerol Stands Up for Kylian
Hours after the match, Josep Pedrerol addressed the issue on El Chiringuito de Jugones. The journalist, far from harshly criticizing the player, showed a more understanding version. Even empathetic.
"He's devastated. He didn't understand what had happened to him," Pedrerol said live. And according to the host, Mbappé has been the center of attention of all the media since the end of the match.
"He apologized as soon as it ended, he was sincere. He was very affected," he added. A phrase that reveals much more than it seems.
A Gesture Out of His Character
Mbappé is not a conflictive player, on the contrary, he is competitive, yes. But he is rarely seen losing his temper in that way. That's why his action surprised so much.
Some believe that the Frenchman is feeling the pressure. The media spotlight. The responsibility of wearing the Real Madrid badge.
Every move he makes is analyzed to the millimeter. Every gesture, judged and perhaps, that accumulation of emotions, exploded at the worst moment.
Reflection and Support
The image of Mbappé, head down, leaving the field in silence, has gone around the world. And although many have criticized him, others, like Pedrerol, prefer to look beyond the specific mistake.
"He's affected, but he's human," concluded the journalist. A phrase that sums up the essence of his message.
The pressure, the fatigue, the expectations... all that weighs. And although he is a star, Kylian Mbappé also has bad days.
What Now?
The club hasn't issued an official statement. But it is expected that Ancelotti will talk about the issue in the next press conference. Meanwhile, Mbappé faces a possible sanction and, above all, the need to step up.
The truth is he has plenty of quality. And also the character to get back up. This time he messed up, but he can redeem himself, because what's important is not falling, but how you get up, and Mbappé knows quite a bit about that.