Two instances from Real Madrid vs Athletic Club that highlight the dressing room divide | OneFootball

Real Madrid closed their season with a strong 4-2 win over Athletic Club last night and thus bid goodbye to the 2025-26 season which has not been very memorable.

It was a mixed night for the Real Madrid faithful, with the team finally dishing out a convincing performance but the game also served as the end of an era as Dani Carvajal and David Alaba bid the club farewell.

While the game will be remembered for its merits and the farewells, there were some clear instances that once again highlighted how all is not well inside the Real Madrid dressing room, and Cadena SER bring to light the same.

Mbappe’s half-hearted embrace

Kylian Mbappe and Alvaro Arbeloa have been at war for a few weeks now, especially after the manager benched the player in recent games to safeguard his fitness.

The player, however, interpreted the decision differently and felt the coach was pushing him down the pecking order. He even addressed the press about the same and openly slandered the manager.

Mbappe did not dedicate his goal to Arbeloa. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Last night was Arbeloa’s last night as the Real Madrid manager, and Mbappe shared a brief hug with the coach after scoring. However, the reality is different from what was shown on the screen.

After scoring, Mbappe merely went to the sidelines to drink water and it was Arbeloa who extended his hand calling for a truce and an embrace, not the player. It was never a dedication from the player to the manager as is being portrayed online.

The captain’s absence

Vinicius Jr. was absent from Real Madrid’s game last night as he took permission from the club to travel to Brazil and rest ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Vinicius was not present at Carvajal’s farewell. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Given how it was the final game in Dani Carvajal’s Real Madrid career, however, it does not sit right that Vinicius, as a captain, prioritised a trip to Brazil over the farewell to a mentor, guide, and leader of the dressing room.

Questions were asked of Mbappe travelling to Italy during the all-important El Clasico which decided the league title, and they are now being raised on Vinicius’ absence from the final game of the season.

Needless to say, the captain travelling on such an important occasion only reflects poorly on the club and the dressing room’s image.