Following a contentious red card during Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory against Alaves, assistant coach Davide Ancelotti has defended French forward Kylian Mbappe.
Ancelotti suggested that the physical play against the French forward resulted in his reckless challenge, and he blamed Kylian Mbappe’s departure on the accumulation of fouls he received during the game.
The pivotal moment in the match occurred in the 38th minute when Mbappe received a straight red card after a VAR review deemed his high tackle on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco dangerous. Up until that point, Madrid had taken the lead in the 34th minute, thanks to a breathtaking strike from Eduardo Camavinga, who showcased his skill and composure under pressure.
The match was marred by tension, with both teams finishing with ten players—Alaves’ defender Manu Sánchez was sent off after fouling Vinícius Júnior.
Ancelotti emphasized that while Mbappe’s challenge warranted a dismissal, it stemmed from the frustrations built up by the physicality he faced. “It’s a clear red-card challenge, and he’s suffered the consequences,” he said, acknowledging the role that the series of fouls against Mbappe played in his reaction. “It wasn’t the right way to respond, and I’m not justifying it, but that’s what happened.
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