Mbappe and Rudiger incidents deepen Real Madrid tensions ahead of Clasico

Key facts

• Kylian Mbappe scored 41 goals in 41 games for Real Madrid this season.
• Real Madrid were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last month.
• Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with a first-team player in April and later apologized.
• Mbappe had a dispute with a coaching staff member during a training exercise on April 24.
• Mbappe is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in the match against Real Betis on April 24.
• Mbappe traveled to Italy with his partner during his recovery, drawing internal criticism.
• Vinicius Jr scored two goals in a 2-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday.

Lede: Flashpoints at Valdebebas

Tensions are rising behind the scenes at Real Madrid as the team prepares for a decisive Clasico against Barcelona on Sunday. Flashpoints involving senior players, including Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger, have further upset the atmosphere since last month's Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich.

Rudiger's confrontation and apology

The first incident occurred in April when Antonio Rudiger was involved in a heated argument with another first-team player in the dressing rooms at Real Madrid's training ground. Sources confirmed that the confrontation was instigated by Rudiger. The 33-year-old Germany international later apologized for his actions, and last Friday he invited his teammates and their families to lunch in a gesture of reconciliation.

Mbappe's clash with a coach

Following Rudiger's dispute, another flare-up emerged between Mbappe and a member of Real Madrid's coaching staff before the trip to play Real Betis on April 24. During a training exercise, Mbappe spoke angrily and in insulting terms toward a coach who was acting as an assistant referee and had called him offside. Sources said the Frenchman's conduct did not go down well with many around the club.

Internal criticism over Italy trip

Mbappe, 27, has also faced internal criticism over a trip to Italy with his partner while recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in the Betis match. He was given days off last week and returned to Madrid on Sunday evening, shortly before kick-off in the team's away match at Espanyol. Many supporters believed Mbappe should not have taken a break during a difficult period for the team. In his post-match press conference, coach Arbeloa was asked about Mbappe on three occasions.

Mbappe's camp defends recovery period

Mbappe's camp issued a statement to AFP clarifying the circumstances of the Italy trip. The statement said: 'Part of the criticisms are based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club. This is not corresponding to the reality of the commitment and the work that Kylian does daily for the good of the team.' Mbappe returned to work on Monday as he tries to recover in time for Sunday's Clasico.

No internal punishment but mood worsens

There is no suggestion that either Rudiger or Mbappe has faced any internal punishment for their actions. However, the incidents have contributed to a worsening of the mood around the club. Several sources at Real Madrid, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, criticized both the players and the club for not taking a firmer stance. The Athletic confirmed these details through multiple conversations with sources, while Real Madrid, Rudiger, and Mbappe's representatives were approached for comment.

Outlook: Clasico stakes and team cohesion

As Real Madrid prepare for a decisive Clasico against Barcelona, the internal discord poses a challenge to team cohesion. The Champions League elimination by Bayern Munich already left a mark, and these off-field incidents threaten to distract from the crucial match. Whether the team can channel these tensions into performance on the pitch remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher for a club accustomed to success.

The bottom line

• Real Madrid's internal atmosphere has deteriorated following a Champions League exit and recent player incidents.
• Antonio Rudiger instigated a confrontation with a teammate in April but later apologized and hosted a team lunch.
• Kylian Mbappe verbally abused a coach during training and faced criticism for a trip to Italy while injured.
• Mbappe's camp defended his recovery trip as club-supervised, but many fans and staff remain unhappy.
• No disciplinary action has been taken against either player, but the incidents have strained relationships.
• Sunday's Clasico against Barcelona is a high-stakes match that could be affected by the team's off-field issues.