Real Madrid team-mates Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde were involved in a dispute in training four days before the Clasico on Sunday.
Sources with knowledge of the situation said the fight started at the end of training and carried on in the changing rooms on Wednesday.
Tensions Within the Madrid Camp
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that tensions have been continuing to affect the senior camp’s preparations for the weekend’s game against rivals Barcelona.
Last month, Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with a team-mate in the dressing rooms at Madrid’s training ground, which he has since apologised for. More recently, Kylian Mbappe was involved in an angry flare-up with a member of staff during a training exercise before their 1-1 draw at Real Betis on April 24. Neither player is believed to have been internally sanctioned.
Several people in and around the club criticised the club for not taking a firmer stance after Mbappe’s conduct.
Madrid’s La Liga Title Hopes on the Line
Madrid head into Sunday’s Clasico on a four-game unbeaten streak in La Liga. Anything less than a win, however, will hand the title to Barcelona as Hansi Flick’s side are 11 points clear of Alvaro Arbeloa’s team with four rounds of matches (including this weekend’s) remaining.
Madrid could be without Mbappe for the fixture, as the forward has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Arbeloa said after Sunday’s Espanyol win that “it might take a bit longer” and “we’ll see how Mbappe is this week”.
Ferland Mendy is another injury doubt, having been forced off injured in the 14th minute of the victory.
Mounting Pressure Before El Clásico
- Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde involved in training ground dispute.
- Tensions are reportedly affecting the senior camp’s preparations for the Barcelona game.
- Real Madrid are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak in La Liga.
- A loss against Barcelona would hand them the title.
Madrid need to win against Barcelona on Sunday to prevent them securing the league title.