Mbappe avoids lengthy ban for horror stamp, will be available for Copa del Rey final against Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe will only serve a one-match suspension for a horrendous challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco last weekend, according to Spanish reporter Arancha Rodriguez.

The Frenchman was at risk of missing several games, including the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona in two weeks.

However, the one-match suspension means Mbappe will miss only Athletic Bilbao’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.

Mbappe can consider himself extremely lucky. The tackle on Blanco was vicious, and a lengthy ban would not have been out of order.

Barcelona fans will rightly cry foul play after Robert Lewandowski received a three-match suspension for a hand gesture.

Meanwhile, Mbappe has escaped serious punishment after nearly ending a career with a tackle that bordered on assault.

Barcelona fans will blame La Liga boss Javier Tebas, a well-known Madrid supporter, for allowing Mbappe to escape severe punishment.

This latest decision only adds to the growing frustration over La Liga’s disciplinary inconsistencies.

The forward will be back in time for the Barca clash, while La Liga’s credibility continues to suffer from its own rulebook.

Until there is a more transparent and consistent standard for discipline, accusations of favouritism and bias – whether fair or not – will dominate the conversation.

Mbappe will be looking to bounce back from this episode when Madrid face Arsenal in the Champions League tomorrow.

Los Blancos need to overturn a three-goal deficit, and he is key to their chances of a comeback.

The Gunners were excellent in the first leg, but an early goal by Madrid could change the complexion of the tie.