Overview
- Lamine Yamal said on Gerard Piqué’s Kings League stream, “Yes, they rob; they complain; they do things,” a remark widely read as a swipe at Real Madrid.
- Marca reports Real Madrid players are angered and intend to use the comments as added motivation in their preparation.
- Assistant coach Marcus Sorg publicly backed Yamal, calling him a top player and saying the criticism will drive him.
- Sorg confirmed head coach Hansi Flick will be absent due to a red card and that winger Raphinha will miss the match after a hamstring setback.
- Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso downplayed the episode, saying the focus is on performance and the match itself.