Real Madrid have reportedly had a dressing room “crisis” just a day out from their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.
Carlo Ancelotti‘s side head into the first leg at the Emirates Stadium looking to further strengthen their defense of their European crown. They defeated Manchester City in the play-off round, before a penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid in the last 16.
Four Real players – Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Junior – risked potential suspensions over allegedly violating UEFA regulations relating to ‘the basic rules of decent conduct’ during post-match celebrations against Atletico.
But Rudiger and Mbappe both escaped with a fine and a one-match suspension, the latter of which will not be applied as long as neither player commits a ‘similar infraction’ within the next 12 months. Ceballos, meanwhile, only received a fine, while Vinicius was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Dressing room “shaken” after Valencia loss
However, a new issue has now developed just days out from the Arsenal clash. Spanish outlet Marca report that the Real dressing room was left ‘deeply shaken’ after their 2-1 defeat to Valencia at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Mouctar Diakhaby gave Valencia the lead in the first half, before Vinicius – who had missed a penalty at 0-0 – equalised on 50 minutes. But Carlos Corberan’s side stunned the Champions League holders with a 95th-minute winner to further strengthen Valencia’s hopes of staying in La Liga.
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For Real, they missed the chance to, at least temporarily, move to level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table. Hansi Flick’s side would later be held to a draw by a resurgent Real Betis to move four points clear.
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