The match between Espanyol and Real Madrid was a crucial one for both teams, with Real Madrid looking to maintain their position at the top of the table and Espanyol fighting to avoid relegation. However, the game was overshadowed by a controversial incident involving a harsh tackle on Kylian Mbappé that left Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti fuming.
The tackle, which came from Espanyol's Fernando Calero, was late and high, catching Mbappé on the ankle. The Frenchman went down in pain, and Ancelotti immediately reacted, storming to the sideline to protest to the fourth official.
"That's a red card! No me jodas!" Ancelotti shouted, clearly incensed by the challenge. The Italian coach was visibly shaken by the incident, and he could be seen arguing with the officials for several minutes.
Thankfully, Mbappé was able to continue playing after receiving treatment, but the tackle left a mark on the game, and Ancelotti's anger was palpable.
After the match, Ancelotti spoke to the media about the incident, expressing his concerns about the safety of his players.
"I was worried because it was a very dangerous tackle," Ancelotti said. "Mbappé is lucky that he wasn't seriously injured. The referee needs to protect the players."
Ancelotti also questioned the referee's decision not to show a red card for the tackle.
"It was a clear red card," Ancelotti said. "I don't understand why the referee didn't give it. It was a dangerous tackle, and it could have easily broken Mbappé's leg."
Mbappé himself was also asked about the tackle after the game.
"I'm okay," Mbappé said. "It was a hard tackle, but these things happen in football. I'm just happy that I wasn't seriously injured."
Mbappé's relief was evident, as he knew how close he came to a serious injury. Had the tackle been slightly worse, he could have been out for several months, which would have been a huge blow to Real Madrid.
The incident involving Mbappé highlights the importance of player safety in football. Referees need to be vigilant in protecting players from dangerous tackles, and players also need to be aware of the risks involved in the game.
Thankfully, Mbappé was able to escape serious injury, but the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that footballers face every time they step onto the pitch.
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
11/02/2025
10/02/2025