Manuel Sanchez’s Reckless Red Card Eases Real Madrid’s Path (Photo)
Manuel Sanchez, Deportivo Alavés’s left-back, was sent off in the 80th minute after a dangerous foul on Vinicius Junior, receiving a direct red card.
The low-scoring match between Deportivo Alavés and Real Madrid was nearing its conclusion, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men still leading 1-0 thanks to Eduardo Camavinga’s first-half goal.
Real Madrid started the game stronger, and after Raúl Asencio’s disallowed goal, Camavinga scored in the 34th minute. However, Kylian Mbappé’s reckless foul in the 38th minute, leading to his dismissal, made things difficult for the visitors. Despite this, the first half ended with Real Madrid maintaining their 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Alavés gained momentum and sought an equalizer, but Manuel Sanchez’s red card in the 70th minute left them with 10 men, further complicating their efforts.
Vinicius Junior gained possession in midfield, but Sanchez, ignoring the ball, struck the Real Madrid forward’s leg. After VAR review, the referee had no choice but to issue a direct red card to the experienced Alavés defender, leaving both teams with 10 men for the final minutes.
