Real Madrid News
Real Madrid open disciplinary files against midfield duo after training ground fight – full details
These are no longer sparks, it is a full-blown fire in the Real Madrid locker room as Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni came to blows today at Valdebebas.
The midfield duo had already clashed on Wednesday – verbal altercations, shoving each other before teammates intervened and the issue seemed to be over once they entered the dressing room.
However, as it turned out, the situation only worsened today as tension escalated between the pair after Valverde’s refusal to shake Tchouameni’s hands at the start of the training session.
It created a tense atmosphere throughout the session, with the two players eventually bursting out at the end in the dressing room, leading to a physical altercation that even needed Valverde to go to a hospital.
Full details
Now, according to AS, Real Madrid have opened disciplinary proceedings against both Valverde and Tchouameni after the second altercation between the pair.
During the final stages of training and after another exchange of words, Valverde and Tchouameni came to blows. This followed after some strong tackles by the former on the Frenchman during the session.
The players rushed to separate them as quickly as they could but it was too late. The incident has been described as “very serious” within the club.
Valverde received a blow that caused a considerable cut. The wound began bleeding and medical intervention was immediately required.
Valverde then headed to a car and was taken to the nearest hospital: Blua Sanitas Valdebebas. He arrived there shortly after midday accompanied by Alvaro Arbeloa, who remained by his side throughout the process. He required stitches to treat a facial wound.
An alternate report from Carrusel Deportivo claims that Valverde’s cut on the face occurred when he hit the central table in the locker room during the fight.
Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez himself rushed to the training facilities and called an emergency meeting after the incident, while club president Florentino Perez also had to intervene to get things under control.
Naturally, Los Blancos are understood to be very angry at whatever has happened and disciplinary files have been opened against both Valverde and Tchouameni.
The report from Carrusel adds that both players could face the maximum possible sanction in this case. It could potentially lead to them missing Sunday’s El Clasico against FC Barcelona.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
