Tension rises at Real Madrid ahead of the big clash with Barca

The Real Madrid locker room is becoming more heated than ever, with visible rifts emerging among players right before the crucial El Clasico against Barcelona.

A brilliant start for Real Madrid under coach Xabi Alonso with three consecutive wins in the Champions League and eight victories in nine La Liga matches, yet underlying tensions simmer within the royal club’s squad. According to The Athletic,Madrid's locker room is described as being in “chaos,” where star egos clash and a leadership vacuum has become evident following a trophyless season.

An in-depth investigation by The Athletic reveals an “explosive crisis” after the Madrid derby where Real thrashed Atlético 5-0. Sharp criticisms arose among players, particularly targeting the young talents’ preparation attitude. What was once regarded as “Europe’s best dressing room” has turned into a friction-filled environment after the departures of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vázquez—who all left the club on free transfers.

An insider admitted before Modric and Vázquez left: “If both leave, things will get very difficult. The issue isn’t the skill level but the atmosphere. If Carvajal is left alone, he will snap within a month.”

Dani Carvajal’s isolation afterward only fueled the fire of discontent, with a first-team player sarcastically remarking in May: “Let’s see if Xabi dares to enter this ‘mad hornet’s nest.’”

Since taking charge, Alonso has tried to tighten discipline, especially concerning schedules and training intensity—habits that existed before. However, experts worry that although Kylian Mbappé is gradually stepping up as a leader, the absence of veteran players to unify the squad leaves a difficult gap to fill.

Real Madrid’s management fears that as the schedule becomes more demanding, these instabilities might resurface, adding heavy pressure on the Basque coach in his mission to maintain success at Bernabéu.

The big match between Real Madrid and Barca will take place at 22:15 on October 26 (Vietnam time).

Related articles

Xabi Alonso nods as Real Madrid moves to sign the 'new Steven Gerrard' Khéphren Thuram impresses in the Champions League and is now on Real Madrid’s radar thanks to his all-around performance at Juventus. See more