Real Madrid is in absolute chaos at the moment. The 2025-26 season hasn't gone to plan at all, with Xabi Alonso's reign being cut short and no trophies to show for their efforts.
A lack of success on the pitch is just the tip of the iceberg currently. Everything behind the scenes appears to be unravelling by the day. Kylian Mbappe has been heavily questioned and criticised, while Los Blancos players have started fighting among themselves.
The most high-profile scrap was between midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde on Thursday, with the latter requiring a trip to hospital after hitting his head. Now, the media in Spain have reacted and offered potential punishments for both men.
Tchouameni and Valverde Facing Big Punishments
Aurelien Tchouameni
After the news broke and left everyone stunned, Real Madrid released a statement in which they confirmed an investigation was ongoing. It appears likely that both players could be sanctioned.
Some outlets in the country have offered their thoughts on the clash. Cadena Cope believes a lengthy ban could be handed out to the midfield pair, as they wrote:
"If the club classifies the actions as a serious offence, the players face a suspension without pay of 3 to 10 matches. In the case of a very serious offence, the sanction could range from 11 to 20 matches.
"Furthermore, the club’s regulations stipulate that, in severe situations of high tension, players involved in professional misconduct may be sold."
Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde Related
'Leaked' Aurelien Tchouameni DMs Released After Bust-Up With Federico Valverde
Private messages from the Real Madrid star have been leaked following his bust-up with teammate Federico Valverde
They even believe either Tchouameni or Valverde could be sold in the summer transfer window. Marca, meanwhile, suggested the altercation 'could result in fines or suspension from the team'.
"The board seeks to send a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated," was the message from La Razon.
Sport were quick to point out the usually emotional El Clasico around the corner: "Clasico could be the final straw in a dressing room that hasn’t been united for some time. Real Madrid desperately wants this season to end, because with each passing day, the tension only intensifies."
Valverde Gave His Version of Bust-Up
Real Madrid's Federico Valverde
In a lengthy statement after his trip to hospital, Valverde opened up on what had happened. He claimed that there were no punches thrown, and his injury was a result of him accidentally hitting a table. He wrote:
"Today we had another disagreement. During the argument, I accidentally hit a table, causing a small cut on my forehead that required a routine visit to the hospital. At no point did my teammate hit me, and I didn't hit him either, although I understand it's easier for you to believe we came to blows or that it was intentional, but that didn't happen."
It's hard to tell exactly what is or isn't happening inside the dressing room at the club right now. The conflict between the Uruguayan and French midfielders was very real two days in a row, but the extent isn't truly known.