VAR Turns a Yellow Into a Red

In the 38th minute of the match between Real Madrid and Alavés, part of LaLiga’s Matchday 31, referee César Soto Grado took center stage after sending off Kylian Mbappé for a hard tackle on Antonio Blanco. The French forward, who started the game, initially received a yellow card for the incident. However, after being advised by VAR, the referee reviewed the footage and upgraded the decision to a straight red.

The challenge happened during a midfield duel. Mbappé arrived late and caught Blanco with his studs high on the leg, prompting a swift VAR review. After watching the replays on the monitor, the referee ruled that the tackle endangered the opponent’s safety and decided to eject the Real Madrid striker from the game.

A Goal, a Red Card, and a New Test for Real Madrid

At the time of the incident, Real Madrid was leading 0-1 thanks to a goal by fellow Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, who had opened the scoring with a brilliant individual play. But Mbappé’s dismissal changed the momentum, forcing Carlo Ancelotti’s side to play the rest of the match with ten men and shift into a more defensive approach to protect their lead.

The timing couldn’t be worse for the Spanish giants, who are in a tight title race and navigating a packed schedule that includes crucial Champions League fixtures. The red card could result in a multiple-match suspension for Mbappé, who had been one of the team's standout performers since arriving in Madrid.

Ancelotti’s coaching staff will now have to adapt without their star attacker, while the club awaits the league’s disciplinary ruling. For now, the controversial play adds another obstacle in Real Madrid’s quest for the league title.