With a criminal tackle, Mbappé receives a red card from VAR and Real Madrid faces Alavés with one less player

The LaLiga showdown between Alavés and Real Madrid, part of the 31st round, erupted with drama at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Kicking off at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, the match pitted a gritty Alavés, fighting to escape the relegation zone, against a Real Madrid side under pressure from recent stumbles. By the 42nd minute of the first half, Real led 1-0 thanks to Camavinga’s stunning strike, but the game’s complexion shifted when Mbappé was sent off with a red card, confirmed by VAR, for a violent tackle on Blanco. Initially shown a yellow, the French star’s expulsion stunned Real, giving Alavés a numerical edge. The home crowd roared, sensing a chance to capitalize, while Real Madrid scrambled to protect their slim lead.

Real Madrid fielded an attacking lineup under Carlo Ancelotti. Courtois guarded the goal, shielded by Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, and Fran García in defense. The midfield featured Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, and Camavinga, with Mbappé and Rodrygo spearheading the attack. Alavés, led by Eduardo Coudet, countered with Owono in goal, a backline of Tenaglia, Abqar, Mouriño, and Manu Sánchez, and a midfield of Joan Jordán, Blanco, Carlos Vicente, and Aleñá. Up top, Carlos Martín and Kike García aimed to exploit gaps. The game started evenly, with Alavés pressing high and Real leaning on possession to create chances.

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Mbappé’s red card at the 38-minute mark was a game-changer. His harsh challenge on Blanco’s shin, reviewed by VAR, turned a yellow into a straight red, leaving Real with 10 players. The incident came shortly after Camavinga’s brilliant goal at 32 minutes, a curling shot that gave Real the lead. The combination of the goal and the expulsion electrified the atmosphere, with Alavés eyeing a comeback and Real Madrid forced to rethink their approach to hold onto the advantage.

Opening minutes spark intensity
Alavés came out swinging. From the first whistle, they controlled the ball, probing Real Madrid’s defense with measured passes. Kike García, relentless in his pressing, stole possession and set up Aleñá, whose shot was blocked by Rüdiger. Though the effort posed little threat, it showed Alavés’ intent to stand toe-to-toe with the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid responded with poise. By the fourth minute, Alavés’ high press disrupted their buildup, but Tchouaméni and Valverde’s sharp passing broke the pressure. At eight minutes, Rüdiger launched a long ball to Arda Güler in the box. Owono misjudged his move, allowing Güler to fire, but Mouriño cleared the danger. The chance energized Real’s fans, who saw Güler as a creative force.

As Alavés worked the wings through Carlos Vicente and Tenaglia, Real Madrid dominated the midfield. Camavinga’s boundless energy won back balls, igniting fast breaks. Rodrygo, roaming the left, began to trouble Alavés’ defense, particularly Manu Sánchez, who needed backup to contain the Brazilian. The match stayed lively, with both sides trading opportunities.

E o Mbappé que foi expulso depois de uma entrada dura em um jogador do Alavés… pic.twitter.com/KIs87LXijb

— PES MIL GRAU (@Pesgrau) April 13, 2025

Key plays define the first half
The game caught fire with a string of pivotal moments. At 12 minutes, Carlos Vicente took on Fran García down the right and crossed, but Real’s defense cleared. A minute later, Blanco picked off Valverde and fed Kike García, whose weak shot was easily gathered by Courtois. The plays underscored Alavés’ refusal to back down.

Rodrygo shone at 16 minutes, charging down the left and attempting a cross, only for Abqar to block. The next minute, he seized a rebound from Tchouaméni’s shot, danced past a defender, and struck hard. Owono, alert, parried it for a corner. The corner led to Asencio’s goal at 18 minutes, later voided by VAR for a foul on Owono, sparking Real’s frustration. The momentum swung with Camavinga’s golazo and Mbappé’s red card, moments that reshaped the contest.

• 2’ – Alavés presses early: Kike García steals and finds Aleñá, but Rüdiger blocks the shot.
• 8’ – Real’s chance: Güler shoots after Owono’s error, but Mouriño clears.
• 20’ – VAR cancels goal: Asencio heads in Rodrygo’s corner, but it’s ruled out for a foul.
• 32’ – Camavinga strikes: After a give-and-go with Güler and Valverde, he curls in the opener.
• 38’ – Mbappé sent off: His rough tackle on Blanco earns a red card after VAR review.

Real Madrid digs in with 10 men
Mbappé’s dismissal left Real Madrid in a bind. Sitting second with 63 points, the team is navigating a rocky patch, stung by a 2-1 loss to Valencia in LaLiga and a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Arsenal. Camavinga’s goal offered a lifeline, but losing their star forward forced Ancelotti to adapt. Rodrygo, now the focal point, had to shoulder the attack, while Rüdiger’s defense braced for Alavés’ response.

Alavés smelled blood. Languishing in 19th with 28 points, they’ve won just once in their last 10 games, but a 1-0 upset over Girona last round kept hope alive. Trailing 1-0, the extra man gave them a shot at turning the tide. Kike García and Carlos Vicente’s pace became key weapons, and the Mendizorrotza faithful urged their side on with every surge.

Ancelotti, pacing the touchline, demanded focus to avoid a slip. Subs like Vinicius Jr. or Bellingham, waiting on the bench, could bolster Real’s attack later. For Alavés, Coudet called for patience, aiming to exploit Real’s stretched setup. With the first half winding down, the stage was set for a thrilling finish.

⏰ 38' | 0-1 | Roja directa para Mbappé.

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 13, 2025

Alavés pushes for a leveler
Alavés’ fightback was clear. At 26 minutes, Joan Jordán slipped a pass to Kike García in the box, but the striker fired over, squandering a prime chance. At 35 minutes, Carlos Vicente breezed past Fran García and whipped in a low shot that grazed the post. The efforts showed Alavés’ growing belief, fueled by Mbappé’s exit.

Coudet’s 4-4-2 system balanced caution with ambition. Joan Jordán and Blanco anchored the midfield, while Aleñá and Carlos Vicente stretched the flanks. Up front, Carlos Martín, a rising talent, paired with Kike García, whose knack for big moments kept Real on edge. Mendizorrotza’s electric vibe lifted Alavés, especially against a depleted opponent.

The home fans dreamed of a shock result. Despite losing four of their last five to Real, with one draw, the moment felt ripe. Mbappé’s red and the earlier VAR call on Asencio’s goal boosted Alavés’ resolve, making a point—or more—seem within reach.

Real Madrid’s season on edge
Real Madrid’s campaign teeters. A seven-point gap to Barcelona, who have 70 points, ramps up the pressure. The Valencia loss highlighted defensive woes, and the Arsenal drubbing questioned their grit. Facing Alavés was a chance to regroup, but Mbappé’s red card complicates matters.

Injuries to Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão forced lineup tweaks. Asencio paired with Rüdiger at center-back, with Lucas Vázquez and Fran García on the flanks. Güler’s spark and Camavinga’s goal showed promise, but without Mbappé, Rodrygo carries the attack alongside Valverde and Tchouaméni. Real’s depth is tested, and Ancelotti faces tough choices.

Real’s record against Alavés is lopsided. Last season, they won 1-0 away and 5-0 at home, with Vinicius Jr. bagging a brace in the latter. Yet, recent wobbles and the red card demand caution, as any misstep could widen the title gap.

Stats that frame the clash
The matchup exposes clear divides. Real Madrid’s attack averages over two goals per game, among LaLiga’s elite, while Alavés scrapes by with less than one. Defensively, both leak: Real has conceded in their last three matches, and Alavés has gone seven of 10 without a clean sheet.

• Possession: Real holds 58% per game, against Alavés’ 42%.
• Shots: Real averages 15 shots, compared to Alavés’ 9.
• Corners: Real earns 6 per game, versus Alavés’ 4.
• Cards: Alavés picks up 2.5 yellows per game, against Real’s 1.4.
• Saves: Courtois averages 3 saves, while Owono faces about 5 shots on target.

Players in the spotlight
Camavinga’s golazo at 32 minutes cemented his value to Real Madrid. His drive and finishing gave Real the edge, even after Mbappé’s exit. Rodrygo, with his flair and key plays, remains vital. For Alavés, Kike García fronts the attack, ready to punish any defensive slip.

The midfield battle between Camavinga and Joan Jordán captivates. Camavinga’s vigor meets Jordán’s poise. Güler’s role in the goal highlights his potential, while Aleñá, for Alavés, seeks openings with clever passes. The center of the park shapes the game’s tempo.

Asencio, thrust into Real’s defense, must tame Carlos Martín’s speed. Alavés’ Abqar and Mouriño, freed from Mbappé, now focus on Rodrygo. Rüdiger’s nous steadies Real, especially after the VAR drama over Asencio’s goal.

Stakes for the standings
For Alavés, facing a 10-man Real Madrid is a golden opportunity. Their 19th-place spot demands points, and the Girona win fueled belief. A draw or upset at home could kickstart a climb from the drop zone, with Mendizorrotza’s energy as their backbone.

Real Madrid, despite the lead, feels the heat. Trailing Barcelona, they need wins to stay in the race and prep for Arsenal’s Champions League return leg. Mbappé’s absence tests their resolve, and Ancelotti knows dropped points could sting.

Alavés’ compact 4-4-2 aims to choke Real’s flow, while Real, now shorthanded, must lean on possession and defense. The team that adapts best will likely dictate the match’s outcome as it unfolds.

Moments that could tip the scales
At 35 minutes, Carlos Vicente nearly equalized for Alavés, darting past Fran García and firing a shot just wide. The play showed Alavés’ growing menace post-red card. Real Madrid, meanwhile, stays dangerous, with Rodrygo and Güler crafting openings, though their reduced numbers limit options.

The first half nears its close with Alavés pushing hard. Coudet urges his side to seize the extra-man advantage, while Ancelotti tweaks to protect the lead. Subs like Villalibre for Alavés or Bellingham for Real could shift gears later. Real’s past dominance looms, but Alavés’ home fight and Mbappé’s exit keep the result up for grabs.