The 5 best moments from the 2026 NFL Draft
Discover the best moments from the 2026 NFL Draft that fans loved!
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio is taking steps to resolve his recent issues and is determined to remain with the team despite being dropped by manager Alvaro Arbeloa. His absence from matches was linked to a conflict with the coach.
Mentioned in this story
Real Madrid defender takes steps to turn his situation around; remains intent on staying
Back in March, Raul Asencio disappeared from the Real Madrid squad for a few matches with no proper explanation being given for his absence.
It later emerged that the 23-year-old academy graduate had been dropped by manager Alvaro Arbeloa due to a behind-the-scenes conflict – with the player first questioning the coach’s decisions and then pulling out of a game due to discomfort on the matchday morning.
Asencio eventually returned to the squad after apologising to both Arbeloa and the entire dressing room.
Not stopping there, the Spanish defender has taken a decisive step forward in an effort to improve his situation at Real Madrid, reports MARCA.
Indeed, Asencio acknowledged his mistakes and issued a double apology to the dressing room, actions that have helped him regain credibility within the team.
After the international break, he addressed the dressing room with a public apology. He also made a personal gesture towards Antonio Rudiger, who had to play a match he was meant to rest because of the Spaniard pulling out in the last minute.
The apology carried particular weight given Rudiger’s role in supporting Asencio since his promotion to the first team.
Raul Asencio was dropped due to a behind-the-scenes conflict with manager Alvaro Arbeloa after questioning the coach's decisions.
Raul Asencio is actively taking steps to address his issues and remains intent on staying with Real Madrid.
Raul Asencio is 23 years old and is an academy graduate of Real Madrid.
Discover the best moments from the 2026 NFL Draft that fans loved!
Brad Stevens has been named NBA Executive of the Year for the second time, leading the Celtics to a strong season.
Arsenal's coach Renée Slegers remains determined to pursue WSL glory despite being 11 points behind Manchester City.
Robert Spillane shares positive injury update after Super Bowl loss
Manchester United continues to struggle for greatness after Ferguson's exit.
Elijah Mitchell, former 49ers rusher, released by Patriots after injuries.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Making amends. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Asencio did not play a great deal since returning to the squad. He then ended up missing a couple of matches again due to an illness and only recovered in time for the game against Real Betis.
Despite not being fully fit to play or travel, he requested to be with the team in Seville and Arbeloa agreed. Although he did not feature, the gesture was appreciated by both the dressing room and coaching staff.
His efforts did not stop there. After the draw against Real Betis, and despite the squad being given two days off, Asencio chose to continue training at Valdebebas over the weekend to speed up his recovery, a decision that was again positively received within the club.
As has already been reported, Asencio is staring at an uncertain future at Real Madrid beyond this season, with the club open to offers for the homegrown talent.
With five matches left and a long summer ahead, including the upcoming World Cup, Asencio remains calm.
His intention is to stay and compete for a place in the squad, especially as Real Madrid’s defensive situation may still require his presence, unless significant changes are made.