Yamal Sparks Real Madrid Friction Before El Clásico

Lamine Yamal sparked fresh controversy ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico when he told Ibai Llanos on the Kings League channel that Real Madrid “steal” and “complain,” remarks that quickly trended and angered many Madrid supporters. Reports say the comments have left the Real Madrid dressing room frustrated and motivated, and outlets report captain Dani Carvajal plans to speak with Yamal after the match. Real manager Xabi Alonso declined to engage publicly and urged his players to answer on the pitch. Barcelona figures including Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué have defended Yamal and urged perspective given his youth; Barcelona sit two points behind Madrid and Yamal is expected to be influential. Separately, Yamal deleted a social-media post showing him with girlfriend Nicki Nicole after celebrating a Champions League goal, drawing additional media attention to the 18-year-old.