Mbappé Scores Again but Raises Concerns After Requesting Substitution in Real Madrid’s Win Over Alavés

Kylian Mbappé continued his impressive form by scoring his fifth goal in five matches for Real Madrid in their 3-2 victory against Alavés on Tuesday. However, the French star had to be substituted with 10 minutes left, just five days ahead of the crucial Madrid derby against Atlético.

What Prompted Mbappé to Request a Substitution Against Alavés?
After being replaced in the 80th minute by manager Carlo Ancelotti, Mbappé was spotted holding his left hamstring as he took his seat on the bench, raising alarm bells. Although the France captain didn’t appear to be limping and wasn’t given any immediate treatment like ice packs, the gesture caused concern.

Following the game, Ancelotti explained that it was Mbappé who requested the substitution, feeling tightness in his muscles after a busy schedule. “He felt some tightness and asked to come off to avoid any problems,” the Italian coach said, downplaying fears of a serious injury.

The Timing Is Far from Ideal

With the Madrid derby approaching on Sunday, the timing of Mbappé’s muscle tightness isn’t ideal for Real Madrid. The forward has had a hectic run of games for both club and country. After helping France reach the semifinals of Euro 2024, Mbappé had little rest before joining up with Real Madrid, missing out on preseason preparations. Since his debut against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on August 14, he’s hardly had a break.

Mbappé has started in all nine of Real Madrid’s competitive fixtures this season. While his inclusion in the lineup against Alavés surprised many—especially after Vinícius Jr. was rested in the previous match against Espanyol—it wasn’t initially expected that Mbappé would play midweek. Ancelotti had hinted that young Brazilian Endrick would get a start, but instead, Mbappé was in the lineup once again.

Will Mbappé Be Ready for the Derby?
Real Madrid is hopeful that Mbappé will be fit in time for Sunday’s clash against Atlético at the Metropolitano, a venue where they suffered their only league defeat last season. However, concerns linger about his physical condition, with a packed schedule of games in multiple competitions coming up.

Of the 810 minutes of competitive play Real Madrid has had so far this season, Mbappé has been on the pitch for 783 of them. Given his heavy workload, it’s no surprise that he’s experiencing some muscle tightness. On Wednesday, the club will run tests to confirm whether there’s any serious issue or if it’s simply fatigue. Meanwhile, the rest of the first team will enjoy a day off.

Player Ratings

Real Madrid: Courtois 6, Vasquez 7. Rudiger 7, Militao 7, Tchouameni 7, Bellingham 8, Valverde 7, Rodrygo 8, Vinicius Jr 7, Mbappe 8.

Subs: Vallejo 6, Modric 6, Endrick 7, Guler 6, Garcia 6.

Deportivo Alaves: Sivera 5, Mourino 5, Novoa , Diarra 5, Sachez 5, Conechny 6, Romero 5, Benavidez 7, Blanco 5, Villalibre 7,

Subs: Pica 6, Guridi 6, Rebbach 6, Guevara 6, Garcia 7.

Match Highlights

1’ GOAL! REAL MADRID (VASQUEZ) 1-0 DEPORTIVO ALAVES
What a start! Just 57 seconds in, Vini Jr. makes his first touch, driving to the byline and slipping a pass to Lucas Vasquez, who puts Los Blancos ahead early.

22’ GOAL DISALLOWED (MBAPPE)
A brilliant move from Bellingham sets up Mbappe, who finds the net with ease, but it’s ruled offside.

40’ GOAL! REAL MADRID (MBAPPE) 2-0 DEPORTIVO ALAVES
Mbappe delivers a slick pass to Bellingham, who takes a moment before sliding it back to the Frenchman for a cool finish.

48’ GOAL! REAL MADRID (RODRYGO) 3-0 DEPORTIVO ALAVES
Just like in the first half, Alaves push high, leaving Rodrygo with plenty of space. He exploits it, driving the ball through Sivera’s legs.

85’ GOAL! DEPORTIVO ALAVES (PROTESONI) 1-3 REAL MADRID
A misplayed pass from Vasquez allows Protesoni to combine with a teammate before firing a stunning shot from outside the box, catching Courtois off guard.

87’ GOAL! DEPORTIVO ALAVES (GARCIA) 2-3 REAL MADRID
In a quick response, Kike Garcia scores with a left-footed shot after a beautifully lifted chip into the box, bringing Alaves back within striking distance.

Premier League table

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