Kylian Mbappe’s La Liga journey took a dramatic turn during Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 victory over Alaves, as the French superstar was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge that has since dominated headlines across Spain and beyond. Despite the tension surrounding the incident, Real Madrid remain confident that the resulting suspension will not exceed two league matches, allowing Mbappe to return in time for a high-stakes Copa del Rey final clash against Barcelona.

The match itself was anything but comfortable for Los Blancos. A scrappy affair played in the gritty setting of the Basque Country saw Real Madrid relying on a lone first-half goal from Eduardo Camavinga to secure all three points. But what should have been a routine win to keep pace with Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title was overshadowed by Mbappe’s first major disciplinary issue since arriving in Spain.

In the final moments of the first half, tensions flared as Mbappe lunged into a challenge on Antonio Blanco, the former Real Madrid academy product now playing for Alaves. The tackle immediately raised eyebrows, but it wasn’t until VAR intervened that referee Juan Martinez Munuera made the decisive call to send off the French forward. The decision left Real Madrid to play the remainder of the match with ten men, turning an already gritty contest into a nerve-wracking grind to the final whistle.

Following the final whistle at the Estadio Mendizorroza, images quickly circulated of Mbappe approaching Blanco to apologize for the challenge. In what appeared to be a moment of genuine contrition, Mbappe sought to clear the air, and Blanco seemed to accept the apology graciously. However, the damage was done — not just to the complexion of the match, but to Mbappe’s availability in the coming fixtures.

Real Madrid’s attention now turns to the verdict of La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who will ultimately determine the length of Mbappe’s suspension. However, early signs point to a two-match ban, with reports from Spanish outlet El Mundo suggesting that referee Martinez Munuera’s post-match report categorized the challenge as “an attempt to play the ball” rather than violent conduct. That nuance could prove crucial.

According to RFEF disciplinary guidelines, a two-match suspension for such an offense would be limited to La Liga fixtures, sparing Mbappe from missing the Copa del Rey final on April 26 — a monumental showdown against archrivals Barcelona. Only suspensions of four matches or more, typically reserved for acts of aggression or serious misconduct, carry over into other competitions such as the Copa del Rey.

For now, that means Mbappe is expected to sit out league clashes against Athletic Club and Getafe, providing him with a rare ten-day break during one of the most congested and decisive periods of the season. While Real Madrid will no doubt feel his absence in domestic play, the timing might actually work in their favor as they prepare for a hectic fixture list.

Perhaps most crucially for the club’s continental ambitions, Mbappe remains eligible to feature in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Arsenal. With the tie finely poised, his presence could be the difference-maker as Real Madrid look to book a place in the semifinals and keep alive their dream of a record-extending 15th European crown.

The incident has, however, stirred anxiety among the fanbase. The sight of Mbappe walking off the pitch, shoulders slumped and visibly frustrated, has sparked debate across Spanish media and among supporters. Some have criticized the Frenchman for a moment of recklessness that could have cost his team dearly, while others have defended the challenge as a misjudged but non-malicious play for the ball.

Adding to the drama, Mbappe broke his silence after the match, expressing remorse for the tackle and assuring fans that it was never his intention to harm an opponent. His statement, while heartfelt, has not been enough to calm all concerns — especially with the stakes so high in both domestic and European competition.

As Real Madrid await an official decision on the suspension, they are simultaneously navigating one of the tightest title races in recent memory. With Barcelona breathing down their necks — and the Copa del Rey final looming — every match and every player becomes critical. Mbappe’s absence, brief as it may be, is a reminder that even a single moment of rashness can ripple across an entire season.

For now, Madridistas can only hope that their star forward uses the forced rest to regroup, refocus, and return with the kind of form that has already made him one of the most dangerous players in world football. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Mbappe when he returns — and the pressure to deliver will be higher than ever.