Real Madrid in crisis: Mbappé sees red

Guilty of a violent tackle on Antonio Blanco on Sunday, Kylian Mbappé was sent off during the first half of the match between Alavés and Real Madrid.

This is the first sending off for the French player since he has been playing for Real Madrid. Mbappé doesn't have a reputation of a "naughty" player, but on Sunday he seemed extremely nervous at the start of the match, frequently getting into heated exchanges with the opponents of the day.

"Mbappé isn't a violent boy, and I'm sure he apologised... because he's aware of the mistake he made," reacted Real Madrid's assistant coach, Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo. "The numerous minor fouls he suffered throughout the match pushed him to this point, but it's not a good way to react."

The reaction shows the nervousness within the white dressing room. Indeed, Real Madrid is condemned to achieve something extraordinary and to make a "comeback" in the Champions League this Wednesday, after their 3-0 loss on Arsenal's field.

(MH with JcM - Source: Marca - Photo: © DPA NurPhoto - Jose Breton)