Antonio Rudiger Apologises After Dressing Room Clash At Real Madrid

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has apologised to team-mate Alvaro Carreras after a dressing room confrontation that reportedly followed the club’s 1-1 draw with Real Betis.

According to Daily Mail, the pair had to be separated at the training ground after Rudiger “lost his mind” in the aftermath of the stalemate two weeks ago.

Carreras has now confirmed there was an incident but moved quickly to downplay its significance, insisting the matter has been settled within the squad.

He said: “Regarding the incident with a teammate, it was an isolated matter without importance that has already been resolved. My relationship with the entire team is very good.”

The left-back returned to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer in a deal worth about €50 million from Benfica and has recently been linked with reports of dressing room tension.

Reports in Spain claimed that Rudiger has since taken steps to repair relations, including organising a team dinner with players and their families last Friday.

The episode adds to a difficult campaign at the Bernabeu. Former boss Xabi Alonso left in January amid reports of unrest, while successor Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to depart at the end of the season.

Naija News reports that off-field scrutiny has also fallen on Kylian Mbappe after he travelled to Sardinia during his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against Betis. Madrid beat Espanyol 2-0 during the same period.

Mbappe was pictured on a yacht with actress Ester Exposito, prompting criticism ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou, where Barcelona need only a point to seal the title.