Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni fight: What we know about altercation in Real Madrid training

The end of the 2025/26 campaign has been a roller coaster for Real Madrid, as the club endures the likelihood of a second straight season without a major trophy.

Ahead of the season's final El Clasico matchup against Barcelona, Madrid are in a difficult position, knowing they must win or have their bitter rivals celebrate confirmation of the La Liga title on the pitch in front of them.

Things have boiled over at Valdebebas as the season winds to a close, as tensions build at a club that expects silverware at every single turn.

The Sporting News details the latest incident at the Real Madrid training facility, and what effect it could have on not just El Clasico, but the club's fabric moving forward.

Federico Valverde reportedly sent to hospital in fight with Tchouameni

According to multiple reports on May 7, Real Madrid players Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni were involved in a "very serious" altercation at training.

The two had reportedly been involved in a smaller scrap the previous day, leading to a tense atmosphere in the dressing room after training.

Reports from Marca and AS claim that because of this, Valverde refused to shake Tchouameni's hand at the start of training, which resulted in a "very tense session" and was a precursor to their eventual fight in the dressing room after training.

Multiple reports claim that as a result of the incident, Valverde was sent to the hospital to receive stitches for injuries sustained in the clash. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa accompanied the Uruguayan to the hospital, reports claim.

Will Federico Valverde or Aurelien Tchouameni be suspended?

According to reports, Real Madrid have opened disciplinary proceedings against both players involved in the altercation, and there could be fallout from the incident.

With El Clasico coming up, it's possible — likely, even — that one or both players are not present in the matchday squad.

Additionally, depending on the severity of Valverde's injuries, he may not be fit to participate in the first place and could need time to recover from his stitches.

There will also be growing rumors about one or both players being sold this summer. Valverde has been an integral part of the Real Madrid squad since coming through the club's youth squad in 2018, and has worn the captain's armband this season. Tchouameni, meanwhile, was brought in for a hefty fee from AS Monaco in the summer of 2022 and has been a regular starter in midfield.

Real Madrid hold emergency meeting with all players

According to all reports, there was an "urgent emergency meeting" held with all players in the dressing room immediately after the incident.

Staff attempted to deescalate growing tensions within the squad, which have been reportedly brewing for some time now.

This is a developing story, and more will be included here as information becomes available.