Luis de la Fuente plays down El Clasico tension between Carvajal and Lamine Yamal – ‘The feeling is…’ | OneFootball

Last month’s El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu produced a tense post-match moment that quickly grabbed headlines across Spain. 

After the final whistle, Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal was caught in an altercation with Lamine Yamal in the middle of the pitch, an incident that reignited the fierce rivalry between the clubs.

The Madrid defender confronted the 18-year-old after comments Yamal had made during an appearance in the Kings League before the match. 

With visible frustration, Carvajal made a clear gesture towards the teenager, seemingly implying that he “talks too much,” as the Bernabeu crowd watched on.

The confrontation carried deeper implications beyond club football. 

Carvajal is not only Real Madrid’s leader but also the captain of the Spanish national team, a side where Yamal is expected to play a starring role ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Luis de la Fuente’s response

It was, therefore, no surprise that Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, was asked to comment on the situation. 

In a preview of Jose Ramon de la Morena’s podcast Resonancia de Corazon, the national team manager offered a calm and reassuring perspective on the matter.

“There was no incident, no schoolyard fight, really, the feeling in the national team is one of unity, of family,” he said.

When pressed further about whether he had personally reached out to the players involved, De la Fuente admitted to having spoken with both of them.

“Now it’s up to their club managers to talk to them. I’ve spoken a lot with Lamine, as I have with Dani Carvajal.”

“Have you spoken to Carvajal?” asked De la Morena. “Yes, I spoke to Dani,” replied the coach.

What about the harmony?

The Spain boss was quick to underline the harmony and maturity he has witnessed among his players when they come together for international duty.

“There has been no strange behaviour from anyone,” he said. “Prioritising the common good says a lot about this group, about the players,” he added.

To reinforce his point, De la Fuente recalled a defining moment from the 2024 European Championship, one that perfectly symbolised the bond between the two players.

“I’m left with the image of the European Championship, of Lamine’s cross and Carvajal’s shot, of the hug they gave each other, of their faces… that’s what happens in the national team,” he described. 

“I am totally convinced that what matters is the general interest,” he concluded.