Tension inside Real Madrid continues to rise, and the atmosphere at Valdebebas appears far from ideal during one of the most delicate moments of the season. According to reports from Marca, internal issues have now spilled into the locker room, with several recent incidents exposing the emotional strain the team is experiencing ahead of El Clásico against Barcelona.

Conflict Between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde at Real Madrid

Real Madrid has opened a disciplinary investigation against two of its players following a serious internal incident that took place in Valdebebas.

The problem reportedly began after a complaint from Federico Valverde directed at Aurélien Tchouaméni. From that moment on, both players allegedly isolated themselves in an attempt to resolve the situation privately, but tensions continued to escalate.

During training, challenges reportedly became increasingly aggressive and the situation grew more tense, to the point where several members of the coaching staff were unable to successfully intervene to stop the conflict.

The confrontation is said to have continued in the locker room, where Federico Valverde persisted with his complaints toward the French midfielder, urging him to put an end to the situation. However, the Uruguayan allegedly refused to drop the matter, which caused Aurélien Tchouaméni to lose his temper.

According to reports, the French midfielder struck Federico Valverde, who fell and hit his head, requiring medical attention and hospital transfer. Real Madrid’s medical report ruled the Uruguayan out due to a traumatic brain injury, with an expected recovery time of 10 to 14 days, meaning he will not be available for Sunday’s Clásico.

Valverde’s Version

Amid all the controversy, Federico Valverde stepped up as captain and used his social media platforms to clarify everything that happened inside the locker room.

The Uruguayan admitted there was indeed an incident with a teammate, caused by “the exhaustion of competition and frustration.” He also stated that situations like this “are resolved internally without becoming public. Obviously, there’s someone behind this who was quick to spread the story…”

Valverde explained that during the argument with his teammate, he accidentally hit himself against a table, which ultimately sent him to the hospital. “At no point did my teammate hit me, and I didn’t hit him either,” he clarified, making it clear that the injury that will keep him sidelined for two weeks was completely accidental.

“El Pajarito” said he deeply regrets that this situation happened, especially considering the difficult moment the team is going through after another season without winning any trophies. He also made it clear that the matter will remain on the field and will not escalate any further.

The seriousness of the situation led the Real Madrid captain to publicly address the matter, even though he originally did not plan to do so until the end of the season. “I am at the club’s and my teammates’ disposal to cooperate with any decision they consider necessary.”

Tensions at Real Madrid

Playing for a club under such immense pressure can deeply affect players. One only needs to remember the conflict between Clarence Seedorf and Fernando Hierro after a match against Dynamo Kyiv.

The issue started on the pitch over who should take a free kick, but it escalated into the locker room, forcing then-president Lorenzo Sanz to intervene and separate the players. Former Real Madrid coach Jupp Heynckes said at the time that Barcelona had “more calmness and patience,” and that what happened “speaks to what has been going on inside the club for many years.”

That season was also highly turbulent for Real Madrid. In that knockout tie against Dynamo Kyiv, they were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarterfinals and also lost the UEFA Super Cup. In addition, they finished second in La Liga and were knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the semifinals, a situation very similar to the current season.

It is also worth remembering the clash between Thomas Gravesen and Robinho during a preseason training camp in Austria, where a hard tackle from the Danish midfielder on the Brazilian forward enraged the striker, who did not understand the challenge and ended up exchanging blows.

That season, with Fabio Capello in charge, the coach had to separate the players. Although they managed to win the La Liga title level on points with Barcelona, they were eliminated from both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16. The issue was handled internally without creating further controversy, but it once again demonstrated that the pressure at Real Madrid is anything but easy.

More Tension Inside the Locker Room

The problems do not end there. Another confrontation reportedly took place between Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger during a training session. Although the Spanish player attempted to downplay the incident, reports acknowledge that tensions were high due to the intensity surrounding recent practices.

In addition, the relationship between part of the squad and coach Álvaro Arbeloa is reportedly completely fractured. According to the report, as many as six players have stopped speaking with the coach, reflecting the growing tension within the group.

The pressure of potentially ending another season without trophies is beginning to take its toll. Between injuries, poor results, and internal conflicts, Real Madrid heads into El Clásico surrounded by uncertainty and with a locker room emotionally shaken. The match against Barcelona could define the LaLiga title race while also shaping several major decisions within the club.

At Valdebebas, there is an understanding that the end of the season will be crucial not only from a sporting perspective, but also because the project may require a deep rebuild in order to compete again at the highest level next season.

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