Rival watch: Tensions rising at Real Madrid ahead of crunch Clasico with Barcelona

TL;DR

Tensions are escalating at Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico against Barcelona, with reports of disputes among players and staff. Kylian Mbappe faces criticism amid injury concerns and a petition for his ousting from the club.

Key points

Tensions are rising at Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico.
Kylian Mbappe is involved in a dispute and faces criticism.
Barcelona needs a point to secure the La Liga title.

Real Madrid CFFC BarcelonaLa Liga

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts to a missed opportunity during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona will take on Real Madrid on Sunday night in El Clasico at the Camp Nou in a game which could see Hansi Flick’s side crowned champions. Flick’s side only need a point to successfully retain their title and seal top spot, with the Barca boss having given his players a few days off to rest ahead of the match. It’s a different story in Madrid, however. Los Blancos are hogging plenty of headlines before the big match as they head towards the end of another trophyless season. A new report from The Athletic states “tensions are rising behind the scenes at Real Madrid” and highlights how there have been problems on the training ground. Kylian Mbappe is accused of being involved in a dispute with a staff member during a training exercise, while is said to have been “involved in a heated argument with another first-team player.” The French striker, who is currently out injured, has also come in for plenty of criticism this week for a trip to which has even seen an created. Mbappe’s camp has issued a statement in response to the report from The Athletic: “A portion of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, and does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and daily work for the team.” The striker remains a doubt for the game against Barcelona, with The Athletic detailing how there is a “worrying mood around the first team generally” and the current feel around the first team is “ one of discord and despondency.”

Q&A

What are the current tensions at Real Madrid before El Clasico?

Reports indicate rising tensions at Real Madrid, including disputes between Kylian Mbappe and staff, and a heated argument involving Antonio Rudiger.

How does Kylian Mbappe's injury affect his participation in the match against Barcelona?

Kylian Mbappe is currently a doubt for the match against Barcelona due to injury, contributing to the overall discord within the team.

What does Barcelona need to secure the title in the upcoming El Clasico?

Barcelona needs just one point from the match against Real Madrid to retain their title and secure the top spot in La Liga.

Rival watch: Tensions rising at Real Madrid ahead of crunch Clasico with Barcelona

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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