Mbappé played through knee sprain to try to save Xabi Alonso's job

Goal reported that Kylian Mbappé defied medical advice and played through a knee sprain in Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona in an attempt to save Xabi Alonso’s job. According to L'Équipe, Mbappé was aware the Clasico in Saudi Arabia was effectively a referendum on Alonso and made himself available despite a sprain that should have ruled him out until January 21.

The club's medical staff had scheduled his return for late January, and it is understood Alonso pushed to use his best player, even if only for a cameo; contrary to rumours before the match, Mbappé did not receive pain-killing injections and played through the discomfort against medical warnings.

The gamble failed: Barcelona won 3-2 and Alonso was relieved of his duties shortly after. Two hours after the official announcement, Mbappé posted a tribute on social media, writing: "It was short but a real pleasure to play for you and learn by your side. Thank you for trusting me from day one.

Key Topics

Sports, Kylian Mbappe, Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid, Spanish Super Cup, Barcelona