Real Madrid suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu, a result likely to spark internal questions and concerns.
Although Madrid controlled much of the first half, they couldn’t capitalize on several clear chances and often found themselves caught in Barcelona’s disciplined offside traps.
According to *El Nacional*, the outcome might have been different if Kylian Mbappé had converted his opportunities.
The report described a tense scene in the Real Madrid locker room afterward, where veteran Luka Modric confronted Mbappé, expressing frustration over his missed chances.
Modric reportedly approached the French forward and bluntly stated, “The difference between us and Barcelona is that they finished their chances, while you missed all of ours.” His criticism took teammates by surprise, as Modric is typically calm and composed.
Modric’s frustration stemmed not only from missed chances but also from a sense of lost potential in a match that could have narrowed the gap with Barcelona. As Barcelona capitalized on Madrid’s mistakes, the contrast in finishing was stark, with Robert Lewandowski scoring twice in the second half, followed by goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Madrid’s efforts were repeatedly thwarted, a frustration that seemed to reach a peak for Modric at the final whistle.
*El Nacional* detailed the heated exchange in the locker room, noting that some Madrid players attempted to calm Modric down. However, his disappointment was clear as he emphasized the impact the loss would have on Madrid’s title ambitions.
Known for his competitive spirit, Modric seemed to realize that this defeat could significantly harm Real Madrid’s chances of reclaiming the top spot in La Liga.
This Clasico loss may represent a crucial turning point in Real Madrid’s season, revealing gaps between the two teams’ ability to convert chances, with Barcelona proving far more clinical.
The tension between Modric and Mbappé reflects the frustration felt by many Madrid players and fans as the team struggles for consistency.
Modric’s outspoken reaction underscores a sense of urgency, as Real Madrid now faces a tough road in the title race, with Barcelona pulling further ahead.
As Madrid deals with this setback, Modric’s confrontation with Mbappé could have lasting effects on team morale and cohesion.