Real Madrid relief as Kylian Mbappe cleared for Copa del Rey final against Barcelona

The French superstar has been handed just a one-match suspension following his red card in Sunday's narrow 1-0 La Liga victory over Alaves.

Mbappe saw red after a late challenge on Antonio Blanco, prompting concerns that he could miss the Copa del Rey final clash with Barca on April 26. A maximum three-game ban for violent conduct was on the table, which would've ruled him out of the high-stakes El Clasico showdown.

But in a fortunate turn for Madrid, the Spanish Football Federation opted for leniency. Citing the match official's note that Mbappe was "disputing the ball" rather than engaging in off-the-ball aggression, the disciplinary commission settled on a minimal punishment: a one-game suspension and a fine under Article 52 of the Civil Code.

As a result, the 25-year-old will sit out this Sunday's La Liga fixture against Athletic Club Bilbao but will be back in the lineup when it matters most.

Mbappe, who has already netted 33 goals in 49 appearances this season, will now shift his focus to helping Madrid overturn a daunting 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

With the league title race heating up - Madrid trail Barcelona by four points - every match counts. But for now, all eyes are on El Clasico and Mbappe's vital role in what promises to be an epic Copa del Rey finale.

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