Overview

• Federico Valverde was an unused substitute in Real Madrid’s 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty despite being fit.
• Social video showed Valverde skipping group warm-ups and later standing on the touchline with his hands behind his back before sitting again.
• Xabi Alonso said the decision was made before the match to manage Valverde’s workload and insisted there was no issue between them.
• Valverde issued a statement saying he has never refused to play, stressed a good relationship with Alonso, and affirmed willingness to play any position.
• Spanish outlets debated the episode, with reports that he was considered for right-back given injuries and a Radio Marca claim of refusal disputed by Valverde, as attention turns to Villarreal’s visit to the Bernabéu.