Kylian Mbappé, the French forward for Real Madrid, has been handed a one-match suspension by the Competition Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following his red card during a match against Deportivo Alavés on April 13, 2025. The decision comes after Mbappé was sent off by referee César Soto Grado, who was alerted by VAR to a severe tackle that Mbappé executed on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco.
This incident marked the fourth red card of Mbappé's career, a statistic that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. The RFEF regulations stipulate that a suspension of four or more matches would have resulted in Mbappé missing the upcoming Copa del Rey final, which is set to take place against FC Barcelona on April 26, 2025. Fortunately for Real Madrid fans, the disciplinary committee opted for the lightest punishment after the referee's report indicated that the tackle was made in the context of a ball dispute.
As a result, Mbappé will only miss the match against Athletic Club, scheduled for this Sunday. His absence is notable, as he is a key player for the team, and his performance is often critical in high-stakes matches. "One match suspension for occurring violently on the occasion of the game or as a direct consequence of some move of the same," stated the governing body of Spanish football regarding the decision.
In the same match, Deportivo Alavés defender Manu Sánchez also received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Brazilian winger Vinícius Jr., and he too will serve a one-match suspension. The disciplinary committee’s decisions have sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the consistency and severity of punishments in La Liga.
The controversy surrounding Mbappé's suspension has not gone unnoticed by rival clubs, particularly FC Barcelona. The club's vice president expressed outrage over what they deemed an "absurd" suspension, labeling it a "disgrace" that reflects poorly on the disciplinary process of La Liga. The sentiment in Barcelona's camp is one of disbelief, as they feel the tackle warranted a more severe punishment.
Eduardo Iturralde González, a former referee who officiated in Spain's top division from 1995 to 2012, weighed in on the situation, commenting on the referee's report and its impact on the suspension length. He suggested that a more precise drafting of the report could have led to a harsher penalty for Mbappé. "The referee made a mistake in writing the two actions equally, that of Alavés and that of Real Madrid," he noted during a discussion on Cadena SER. "If the report had been drafted correctly, it could have resulted in a two-match suspension at most."">
As the situation unfolds, Real Madrid fans are left to ponder the implications of Mbappé's absence against Athletic Club. His ability to change the course of a match is well-documented, and without him, the team's strategy may need to adapt significantly. The upcoming match is crucial for Real Madrid, who are vying for a strong finish in La Liga as they approach the final stretch of the season.
Compounding the drama, the upcoming Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona is set to be a high-stakes affair, and the fact that Mbappé will be available for that match is a relief for the team. His presence on the pitch could be pivotal in what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter between the two Spanish giants.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the Athletic Club match this Sunday, as it will serve as a litmus test for Real Madrid's depth and resilience in the absence of one of their star players. The team's performance could also influence their strategy heading into the Copa del Rey final, where every player will need to step up to ensure they can compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, while Kylian Mbappé's one-match suspension may seem minor in the grand scheme of things, its timing and context have sparked significant debate within the football community. As Real Madrid prepares for a crucial match against Athletic Club, the club's ability to navigate this challenge without their star forward will be closely scrutinized. Fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and whether they can maintain their momentum heading into one of the most important matches of the season against their arch-rivals, FC Barcelona.
