“We want more leaders!” fans turn on Real Madrid amid rising tension at training ground
Security was tightened at Valdebebas as the Valverde-Tchouaméni fight and injuries fuel a tense buildup ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico showdown.
A tense atmosphere engulfed Real Madrid’s training complex in Valdebebas on Thursday after a reported confrontation between Aurélien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde escalated into a physical altercation, following an earlier argument between the two players on Wednesday.
According to reports, the incident escalated to the point where Tchouaméni struck Valverde, leaving the Uruguayan midfielder with a head injury and a cut that caused him to briefly lose consciousness. He was treated on site by Real Madrid medical staff before being transferred to a nearby Sanitas clinic, where a CT scan revealed a cranioencephalic contusion. He is expected to be sidelined for the next two weeks.
Club opens disciplinary proceedings
Real Madrid responded by opening disciplinary proceedings against both players involved in the incident. The situation has added further tension inside the squad, with the team returning to training under heavy scrutiny and heightened internal pressure.
Valverde did not attend Friday’s session following his diagnosis and ongoing recovery.
Valverde out, Tchouaméni trains under scrutiny
Tchouaméni, however, did report to the training ground. It remains unclear whether manager Álvaro Arbeloa will include him in the squad for Sunday’s Clásico, though the disciplinary case makes his involvement appear unlikely at this stage.
Despite the controversy, the French midfielder completed the full training session. He briefly left the facility after practice before returning moments later, reportedly because he had forgotten his toiletry bag. He then departed again in his vehicle without further incident.
Mbappé draws attention amid tense atmosphere
Kylian Mbappé also remained a focal point amid the tense environment. After being seen laughing during Thursday’s session despite the seriousness of the situation, his demeanor on Friday was more subdued.
He arrived with a slight smile but left the training ground looking serious after completing the full workout. His chances of being included against Barcelona continue to rise, with a decision still pending on whether he starts.
Security tightened at Real Madrid City
Security at the Ciudad Real Madrid complex was significantly increased following Thursday’s events. Club officials reportedly instructed staff to turn the facility into a “bunker-like” environment.
While the main entrance remains public property and difficult to fully control, media and a small group of fans gathered outside. At an alternative exit near the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, security staff worked to keep journalists and supporters at a greater distance from departing players.
Training unfolds under heavy scrutiny
The session began at 11 a.m. (5 a.m. ET), with Eduardo Camavinga the first player to leave shortly before 1 p.m (7 a.m. ET). The rest of the squad gradually filtered out afterward.
Tchouaméni left as a passenger in his regular driver’s car. Dani Carvajal, the club captain, departed after 1:30 p.m (7:30 a.m. ET). The defender is currently injured and will miss El Clásico, and his future at the club remains uncertain as his contract situation continues unresolved.
Despite that, fans still called out for leadership as he left the facility, shouting, “We want more leaders!” from outside the training ground.
Arbeloa set to address crisis ahead of El Clásico
Saturday is expected to bring another chapter in an already turbulent end to the season for Real Madrid. Álvaro Arbeloa is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m. ET), where he will address the recent events and outline potential decisions moving forward ahead of Sunday’s clash with Barcelona.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.