Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe had a far from ideal preparation with his side ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
Los Blancos have suffered a dip in form across all competitions, with a damaging week impacting both their La Liga and Champions League campaigns.
In Europe, their hopes hang by a thread as Arsenal lead 3-0 against Real Madrid after a first leg thrashing at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners will need to be at their best to deny a comeback from the Spanish giants, who need some form and confidence.
The league offered some small moments to do that over the weekend, though it didn’t offer lots to Kylian Mbappe in the end.
Gary Lineker comments on “strange” Kylian Mbappe red card
While Arsenal drew with Brentford in the Premier League as part of their preparation for the coming Champions League clash, Real Madrid made the away trip to Alaves.
Eduardo Camavinga, who is banned from facing Arsenal in the second leg, opened the scoring for Los Blancos.
It wasn’t all easy, though, as Kylian Mbappe was sent off moments later for a high and forceful challenge in the middle of the pitch.
Gary Lineker commented on the incident in The Rest is Football podcast, claiming: “Arsenal, they rested a few players, as have Real Madrid today [Sunday].
“The last time, I don’t know what the score is now, but it was goalless [1-0] and Kylian Mbappe got himself sent off, which apparently doesn’t mean he’ll miss, he won’t miss the Champions League game, Arsenal fans.
“But it was a terrible challenge and totally out of character. It was a bit strange one. I’ve seen it on one of the social media things.
“But that aside, it’s such a big game for both those clubs in midweek. You can see why they rested them.
“Arteta gave all his big players, all started and came off or started on the bench and came on.”
It was far from an ideal bit of preparation for the Frenchman, who will now be looking to redeem himself in the Champions League against Arsenal.
Champions League yellow card and red card rules
Compared to domestic competitions, the Champions League goes by a different set of rules when it comes to suspensions and bookings.
European competition is isolated from the other competitions, meaning any yellow card or red card suspensions are kept solely there.
The current Champions League rules state that a player will receive a one-match suspension for reaching three yellow cards before the semi-final stage – plus an extra match for each odd number after.
As for red cards, suspensions will carry over to the next European match played, with those bans varying from one match for a double yellow to three for violent conduct or worse.
Because Mbappe’s red was in La Liga, there is no carryover, and his suspension will be served in Spanish competitions, meaning he is available for Real Madrid vs Arsenal in the week ahead.
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