Real Madrid continues to put pressure on Barcelona, Mbappe is sent off

Real Madrid defeated Alaves 1-0 after Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a careless challenge in the first half, bringing them within four points of Barcelona, the leaders of the Spanish league. Shortly before halfway on Sunday, Mbappe was sent out for a studs-up challenge on Antonio Blanco, a midfielder for Alaves. Following a video review, the referee converted the France star's original yellow card to a red one.

When Mbappe was still playing for Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, he had not been sent off. At the very least, he will miss Sunday's Spanish league match against Athletic Bilbao. Following Manu Sánchez's dismissal for a foul on Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior in the 70th minute, Alaves also played with 10 men. In the 34th, Eduardo Camavinga scored Madrid's winning goal from beyond the area. With a 1-0 victory over Leganes on Saturday, Barcelona stretched their advantage over Madrid.