Real Madrid News
Real Madrid top-scorer likely to face a two-match ban after horror tackle vs Alaves
In what should have been a routine afternoon at Mendizorroza, Kylian Mbappe became the center of controversy after a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco saw him sent off during Real Madrid’s clash with Deportivo Alaves.
Initially shown a yellow card by referee Soto Grado, the decision was swiftly upgraded to a red after VAR intervention, with Jesus Gil Manzano urging the official to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
It was not the best of tackles from Mbappe, who, in an attempt to win the ball, overstepped the mark and caught Blanco with excessive force.
While the Alaves midfielder remained on the ground in pain, he fortunately avoided serious injury. Mbappe, meanwhile, didn’t protest the decision and walked off with minimal resistance.
What will be the severity of Mbappe’s suspension?
Now the question arises, how many games could Mbappe possibly miss due to his horror tackle on Blanco?
According to Jonas Perez, if the disciplinary committee rules it as “rough and serious play,” a two-match suspension appears most likely, keeping him out against Athletic Club and Getafe.
However, a three-game ban would also sideline him for the clash against Celta Vigo, and a four-match ban would extend to include the Copa del Rey final versus Barcelona.
But the report adds that a four-man match is unlikely. Instead, Mbappe is more likely to receive a two-game suspension, which should make him available for the upcomign Copa Del Rey final.
It must also be remembered that Mbappe’s suspension will not be applicable in the UEFA Champions League, meaning he will be able to feature in the second leg tie against Arsenal in any case.
According to MARCA, Real Madrid are close to completing the signing of Racing Santander teenage midfielder Sergio Martinez.
The 19-year-old prospect has a €3 million release clause in his contract at the Cantabrian club, and a move to Madrid is now understood to be close.
A product of the Racing Santander academy, Martinez made his first-team breakthrough last season, making just 10 appearances in the Spanish second division.
This past weekend he made his La Liga debut and was one of the biggest surprises in the starting lineup against Villarreal.
And, it was a debut to remember for Martinez as the midfielder scored in his first top-flight appearance, sending a spectacular strike into the top corner.
Real Madrid move in
Whether that performance was the reason or not, Real Madrid quickly took notice of the midfielder.
Having been monitoring him since January, the Spanish capital club decided to step up their pursuit and make a move to sign him.
His €3 million release clause initially appeared to be an obstacle, not because of Real Madrid’s financial capacity, but because of the club’s intentions.
However, everything appears to have accelerated over the past few hours, with indications that he is now close to joining the club.
The initial plan is for Martinez to be registered with Real Madrid Castilla, although he could also train regularly with the first team.
Racing, meanwhile, are trying to keep hold of the youngster for another season on loan.
Sergio Martinez’s profile
Martinez is a 19-year-old midfielder born in 2007. He is primarily a central midfielder who is disciplined and known for his excellent positioning.
He is more of a holding midfielder than a player focused on arriving in the final third, although his debut showed that he can make an impact when he does get forward.
Martinez is comfortable on the ball and also brings plenty of work rate to his game.
In his first La Liga appearance, he played 69 minutes, covered a total of 8 kilometers, and scored with his only shot on target. He also won four of eight duels, committed three fouls, made one successful tackle and recorded one recovery.
