Madrid secures a narrow and hard-fought victory against Alavés in a match of utmost importance for the season's outcome. A solitary goal by Eduardo Camavinga was key for the visitors to take the three points from a challenging field like Mendizorroza. Now, Real Madrid is already thinking about their next commitment: the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals with Arsenal.
The match was more contested than expected, with chances for both teams and a very reliable Courtois. The Belgian managed to keep a clean sheet, being one of the most outstanding players for Real Madrid. The defensive solidity of the Merengues was key to the final victory, having been practically the entire match (until Manu equalized) with one less due to Mbappé's expulsion.
Kylian Mbappé was sent off in the 38th minute for a reckless tackle on the Madrid youth player Antonio Blanco. The Frenchman completely lost his head, trying to recover a ball, although he never touched it. He lost all sense and went all out for the opponent, the referee reviewied the action on VAR and showed him a straight red card.
Mbappé in danger for the Copa Final
Everything seems to indicate that, after this violent action, Mbappé will be sanctioned, missing more than one match. It could affect him for the Copa del Rey final on April 26, where Real Madrid will visit Seville to face FC Barcelona.
Initially, everything points to Mbappé being sanctioned, missing the next two matches, not playing in LaLiga against Athletic Club or Getafe. If the sanction were greater, at least three matches, it would mean the Frenchman would miss the Copa final against Barcelona, being the next match on the list.
There is some concern in Madrid. A sanction of this magnitude would mean losing their top scorer for a key match like the Copa Clásico. In any case, this would be quite a surprise, as it doesn't seem he will miss more than two matches.
From Real Madrid they believe that Mbappé is feeling the pressure of the recent matches, having triggered everything in an action deserving of a sending off against Alavés.