According to reports, in the match against Alaves, Kylian Mbappe received his first red card in La Liga after a harsh foul on Antonio Blanco, Alaves’ midfielder, in the 38th minute. The foul, which involved a direct kick to Blanco’s shin, could have led to a serious injury but fortunately only resulted in a momentary shock. This incident presented an unexpected image of Mbappe, reflecting the pressures and recent frustrations he has faced on the field.

Mbappe displayed one of his least effective performances in this match. He rarely had possession, was forced to drop deep repeatedly to participate in the game, and faced harsh defending from Alaves’ players and the referee’s indifference.

These factors, combined with his failure to score in the last four matches, led to his frustration and the subsequent red card. Mbappe left the field without protest, seemingly aware of his mistake. This foul not only endangered his opponent but also risked his participation in the Copa del Rey final.

Mbappe’s behavior, however, has deeper roots. He has been frustrated by his recent lack of goals, Real Madrid’s disjointed gameplay, and insufficient referee protection against opponents’ fouls. Most importantly, the fear of failing to achieve his dream of winning the UEFA Champions League—his primary motivation for joining Real—has weighed heavily on him. Real’s weak midfield has forced attackers like Mbappe to create chances alone without adequate support.

Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates has significantly reduced their chances of advancing in the Champions League. Having reached the semifinals in 12 of the last 14 editions, Real now needs a miracle at the Bernabeu to progress. This potential failure would be a major setback for Mbappe, who joined Real this season aiming to win the trophy. His red card against Alaves and the pressure of playing with ten men have made the situation even more challenging for Real.

Despite this unfortunate incident, there is hope for Real and Mbappe. This season has been full of ups and downs for Mbappe. He started the season with a goal in the UEFA Super Cup but later faced coordination issues with the team and was even left out of Didier Deschamps’ France squad. However, after each setback, Mbappe has managed to rebuild himself. After two missed penalties against Athletic Bilbao and Liverpool, he returned stronger. Now, following the events against Alaves, there are signs of his determination to return to top form. This could be his third resurrection at Real.

Mbappe immediately apologized to Blanco after the match, an act that demonstrated his remorse and professionalism. This sense of regret and self-criticism could spark his return to peak performance.

Experience has shown that Mbappe comes back stronger after every setback. This is good news for Real and a major challenge for Arsenal in the return leg, where Mbappe may once again showcase his abilities and keep the dream of winning the Champions League alive.