A high-risk decision on a decisive night

The Spanish Super Cup final against FC Barcelona was far more than just another match for Kylian Mbappé. Still recovering from a knee injury, the French forward chose to take a significant risk and play despite not being fully fit, fully aware that defeat could spell the end of Xabi Alonso’s tenure as Real Madrid head coach.

Mbappé started the final in Jeddah on the bench and was introduced in the second half, with Real Madrid chasing the game and the trophy. The match ended in a 3–2 defeat, a result that proved decisive, as Alonso was dismissed just hours after the final whistle.

Managed rest and absence from training

Following an intense few days around the club, Real Madrid returned to training at Valdebebas ahead of their Copa del Rey fixture against Albacete. Mbappé, however, did not take part in the session led by Álvaro Arbeloa, an absence linked both to squad rotation and the need to carefully manage his physical condition.

The Frenchman has been dealing with knee discomfort, and even if fully fit, he was not expected to feature prominently in the cup tie. The club opted to rest him after his Super Cup appearance, a match in which he played while clearly not at full capacity.

Mbappé’s message after Alonso’s dismissal

Although Mbappé did not appear publicly following Xabi Alonso’s sacking, he did break his silence on social media. The forward posted a message thanking the coach, with whom he had built a close relationship in a short period of time.

“It was a short time, but a pleasure to play for you and learn from you. Thank you for giving me confidence from day one. I will remember you as a coach with clear ideas and great knowledge of football. Best of luck in what comes next,” Mbappé wrote.

The on-field numbers reflected that connection: 29 goals and five assists in 25 matches under Alonso’s guidance, although reports suggested the relationship was not without occasional tension inside the dressing room.

Guard of honour controversy and a tense ending

The final also produced another controversial moment involving Mbappé. After the defeat, cameras captured him urging some teammates not to take part in the guard of honour for Barcelona, despite Alonso himself having encouraged his players to show institutional respect.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta later expressed surprise at the Frenchman’s behavior, stressing that sportsmanship also matters in defeat. It was another episode that underlined the frustration of the night — one filled with tension, disappointment… and decisive consequences.

Mbappé gave everything. He played through pain, took risks, and pushed until the limit. It was not enough to change Xabi Alonso’s fate.

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