Overview

• Valverde did not feature in Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty and appeared withdrawn during warm-ups and on the bench.
• Responding to criticism, he posted on X that he has never declined to play, acknowledged a dip in form, and said he maintains a good relationship with Xabi Alonso.
• Before the match he said he “wasn’t born to play right-back,” while Raúl Asencio ultimately filled that role against Kairat.
• Real Madrid’s official stance frames the omission as routine rotation, with reporting indicating Alonso had set his plans before Valverde’s pre-match comments.
• Coverage notes his heavy workload last season and a contract running to 2029, as some pundits speculate the benching reflected internal tension.