Real Madrid may have picked up a crucial 1-0 win over Deportivo Alavés on Sunday night in La Liga’s 31st round, but the evening was overshadowed by Kylian Mbappé’s shocking red card. The French superstar was ejected before halftime for a dangerous challenge, and the fallout has sparked a heated conversation across Spain.
Carlo Ancelotti was serving a touchline ban, meaning his son and assistant coach, Davide Ancelotti, led the team from the bench. After the hard-fought victory, Davide faced the press and didn’t mince words when asked about the controversial incident involving Mbappé.
“It was a moment of frustration, that’s all,” Davide said during his post-match press conference. “Kylian is not a violent boy. He knows what he did was wrong and he apologized immediately. But make no mistake — the number of kicks and fouls he endured in the first half pushed him over the edge.”
The red card came in the 37th minute after VAR intervention. Mbappé, visibly frustrated by Alavés’ persistent fouling, lunged in with his studs up. While he didn’t cause any injury, the intent and danger of the challenge left the referee with no choice but to send him off.
Davide didn’t excuse the behavior but gave a candid insight into the striker’s state of mind. “These things happen when you’re targeted all game,” he explained. “He reacted poorly, yes, but anyone who’s played at this level understands how frustrating it is when referees don’t protect the most technical players.”
Despite being reduced to ten men, Real Madrid held firm. A second-half goal was enough to seal the win and keep Los Blancos in the title race. Davide admitted the victory was vital, especially with a massive UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal looming on Wednesday.
“It wasn’t an easy match,” he continued. “We were nervous, especially with everything that was on the line, but this win gives us momentum. We know Wednesday is a whole different level, but this group is ready.”
The assistant coach, who has slowly grown into a more vocal figure in the Madrid dressing room, also reflected on the pressure of balancing both La Liga and the Champions League in a season full of expectations. “They’re both difficult. Winning La Liga requires consistency. The Champions League needs moments of brilliance and a bit of luck. We want both — we’re chasing both.”
He also provided updates on Dani Ceballos, who returned to the squad after injury but was used sparingly. “He trained well this week. His substitution was more tactical — to slow the tempo. He’ll be important midweek, whether he starts or comes off the bench.”
When asked about the disturbing chants from a section of the crowd targeting Marco Asensio — chants that included death threats — Davide didn’t hold back. “It’s unacceptable. It reflects a sad reality about some fans. It’s the referee’s job to stop the game and enforce protocols, but as a society, we have to be better. This shouldn’t happen.”
He also addressed his own role in Real Madrid’s technical staff. “It’s all been very organic. Two years ago, when my father had COVID, he handed me responsibility. He trusts me, and that’s all the confidence I need. I’m here today because of him.”
The emotional night ended with Davide thanking the players for their resilience. With Carlo Ancelotti watching from the stands, his son proved he could steer the team through a stormy night — both on the pitch and in the headlines.
Meanwhile, questions swirl around the extent of Mbappé’s suspension. A standard one-match ban seems unlikely, with La Liga’s disciplinary committee expected to weigh the severity of the challenge and the VAR footage. Real Madrid will be hoping their star doesn’t miss the Arsenal clash — though UEFA would have to enforce any European ban separately.
This isn’t the first time Mbappé has let emotions get the better of him in a high-pressure environment. But as Davide emphasized, the club sees this as a teachable moment, not a condemnation. “He’s a competitor. He wants to win. He needs to channel that differently.”
While Mbappé’s red card made headlines, Real Madrid’s gritty defensive display was perhaps the more significant story. Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni were immense in closing out the final minutes with a man down.
The result keeps Madrid within striking distance of the league leaders, and the dressing room remains united. “We don’t dwell,” Davide said with a smile. “The next game is the most important.”
Back in the Spanish capital, all eyes are now on Wednesday night’s showdown against Arsenal. Will Mbappé be available? Can Real Madrid shake off the red card drama and keep their Champions League dream alive?
One thing’s clear — the Ancelotti family continues to write its own chapter in Real Madrid’s illustrious history, and Davide’s voice is growing louder with every passing game.
