Kylian Mbappe is set to make a significant impact in the upcoming Copa del Rey final against Barcelona after receiving a one-match ban for a red card incident during Real Madrid's recent La Liga victory. The French striker, who joined Madrid from Paris St-Germain in 2024, was shown a straight red card in a tense match against Alaves on April 13, 2025.
In that match, which Real Madrid won 1-0 thanks to a free-kick from Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappe's sending off came after a controversial challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco. Initially booked for the foul, the decision was upgraded to a red card following a VAR review, which deemed the challenge violent conduct. The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that such incidents could lead to bans ranging from one to three matches.
Fortunately for Madrid and their fans, a commission opted for the lenient punishment of a one-match suspension, allowing Mbappe to be available for the crucial Copa del Rey final on April 26, 2025. This decision was bolstered by the referee's report indicating that Mbappe was "disputing the ball" during the incident. However, he will miss the upcoming La Liga match against Athletic Club Bilbao on April 20, 2025, as a result of the ban.
Currently, Real Madrid sits second in La Liga, trailing league leaders Barcelona by four points. Mbappe has been in stellar form this season, netting 33 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, making him a pivotal figure for Carlo Ancelotti's side as they push for silverware.
Meanwhile, the Champions League remains a pressing concern for Madrid as they prepare to host Arsenal in the quarter-finals on April 16, 2025. Madrid finds themselves in a challenging position after losing the first leg 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium and will need a remarkable performance to overturn the deficit.
In the second leg against Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side faced their own drama, surviving a first-half scare when a penalty awarded to Real Madrid was overturned after a lengthy VAR review. The Gunners had arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu with a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead but were put under pressure early on.
In the 13th minute, Arsenal was awarded a penalty after VAR ruled that Raul Asensio fouled Mikel Merino in the box. Bukayo Saka stepped up but his attempted panenka was saved by Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Just ten minutes later, Real Madrid was given a chance to equalize when Declan Rice was penalized for pulling back Kylian Mbappe. However, after a five-minute VAR review, referee Francois Letexier overturned the penalty decision, much to the relief of Arsenal players and fans.
"I didn't touch him!" protested Rice, visibly frustrated as he argued his case with both the referee and Mbappe. The VAR review concluded that there was no foul, leading UEFA to issue a statement confirming the penalty was rescinded. This decision not only saved Arsenal from conceding a penalty but also meant Rice avoided a yellow card that would have suspended him for the semi-final if Arsenal progresses.
The match was filled with tension and drama, with both teams eager to secure their place in the next round of the Champions League. Ally McCoist, providing commentary, expressed his relief at the overturning of the penalty, stating, "Does he give Mbappe a yellow card? I’m putting my cards on the table right now – I am delighted to see that decision."
As the match continued, Real Madrid’s hopes for a comeback were dashed, and Arsenal maintained their aggregate lead. The overturned penalty and missed opportunities highlighted the razor-thin margins in high-stakes matches like these, where VAR plays a crucial role in determining outcomes.
Real Madrid's next steps are crucial as they prepare for the Copa del Rey final, where they will face their arch-rivals Barcelona. This match is set to be a thrilling encounter, especially given the historical rivalry and the stakes involved. Following that, the teams will clash again in La Liga on May 11, 2025, with both teams vying for supremacy in Spanish football.
As the season progresses, Real Madrid will also be looking ahead to the Club World Cup, set to begin on June 18, 2025, in Miami against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. With a busy schedule ahead, every match is critical for Madrid as they aim to secure multiple titles this season.
Despite the setbacks, including the recent red card incident, Mbappe's return for the Copa del Rey final is a significant boost for Real Madrid. His ability to change games with his pace and scoring prowess will be essential as they look to claim victory against their fierce rivals and continue their pursuit of glory on multiple fronts.
