Real Madrid’s turbulent week took another dramatic twist on Sunday as Kylian Mbappé was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco in the Galacticos' away 1-0 win at Mendizorrotza Stadium.
The flashpoint came just minutes after Eduardo Camavinga had given Los Blancos a glimmer of redemption with a thunderous long-range strike, putting the visitors ahead in what was expected to be a bounce-back performance following their humiliating Champions League defeat to Arsenal.
EDUARDO CAMAVINGA GIVES REAL MADRID THE LEAD FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX pic.twitter.com/qUUCCLFXr6
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 13, 2025
The match, however, quickly descended into chaos. Coincidentally by Madrid's best player this season.
Watch: Kylian Mbappé red card vs. Alavés
In the 38th minute, Mbappé lunged in with a dangerous challenge on Blanco during an Alavés break-away, one that went unnoticed by the on-field officials initially. But after a brief VAR check, the French star was handed his marching orders—his first red card since joining Real Madrid, and the fourth of his professional career.
Kylian Mbappe is sent off for this tackle on Antonio Blanco. pic.twitter.com/0idGe01tE5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 13, 2025
Real Madrid were able to hold the home side off until the pause and played their way into an 'equalizer' minutes after the restart.
VAR would again take center stage later in the match when an Alavés defender was shown red for a reckless challenge on Vinícius Jr., leaving both teams with 10 men with just over half an hour to play. Straight red for Manu Sánchez.
Manu Sánchez receives a direct red card and is sent off for this challenge on Vini.
Both teams are now down to 10 men. pic.twitter.com/lcOHzvpAKf— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 13, 2025
The red card was ultimately the deciding factor in Madrid's turbulent LaLiga win, adding ounces of momentum for a potential (and bordeline impossible) comeback win against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.
