Raúl Asencio reconciles with Arbeloa, returns to Real Madrid squad after dressing room apology | OneFootball

Raúl Asencio is in Real Madrid’s squad to face Girona, his third straight inclusion, after apologising to the dressing room and mending relations with Álvaro Arbeloa.

He was upset at being a substitute for the Champions League first leg against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Arbeloa opting for Antonio Rüdiger after injury. According to Marca, Asencio sought explanations and voiced his displeasure.

He then reported discomfort and missed the following league game, after which Arbeloa punished him by omitting him from later squads despite being fit, including the City return and the league match with Atlético.

Asencio apologised to Arbeloa, who told him to address the group. He initially declined during training, then later apologised to the squad and was reinstated.

Since returning he has not started, with the recoveries of Rüdiger and now Éder Militão restricting his minutes. Earlier in the campaign he played no minutes in the first four league rounds under Xabi Alonso, then started all but one between matchdays 15 and 25.

He also started several Champions League ties, including against Kairat, Juventus, City, in Athens and versus Benfica. Promoted amid injuries in 2024-25 under Carlo Ancelotti, he renewed in summer 2025 until June 2031 and now has 76 appearances, two goals and three assists.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo