Copa del Rey Final: Mbappe available for game against Barcelona despite one-game ban

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will be available for the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 after being handed a one-match suspension following his red card against Alaves.

Mbappe received a straight red during Madrid’s narrow 1-0 La Liga victory on Sunday for a challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco. The referee’s report cited violent conduct, which could have earned the France captain up to a three-match ban — a suspension that would have ruled him out of the El Clasico final.

However, the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee opted for the lightest penalty, citing that Mbappe was “disputing the ball” in the incident.

In a statement, the Federation confirmed: “Mbappe: one-match suspension for a violent incident occurring during the game or as a direct consequence of a game-related incident, with additional fines in accordance with Article 52 of the Civil Code.”

As a result, Mbappe will miss Madrid’s upcoming La Liga clash with Athletic Club Bilbao on Sunday, April 20, but will return in time to face Barcelona in the final.

Mbappe, who has netted 33 goals in 49 appearances this season, will also play a pivotal role when Madrid take on Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Los Blancos face a tough task overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.

Madrid are currently second in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points.