Federico Valverde had long been a cornerstone of Real Madrid's setup under Carlo Ancelotti, blending tactical importance with a physical resilience that seemed unbreakable.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has praised his team's attacking hunger after the Blaugrana demolished 10-man Real Sociedad 4-0 on Sunday, vaulting them back to the top of the La Liga table.
Carlo Ancelotti responded to Javier Tebas on Tuesday, criticizing the La Liga president for "talking about Real Madrid too much" and accusing him of showing a "lack of respect" after Tebas claimed the club was "crying" about referee decisions.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is hopeful that Lamine Yamal will be fit to feature against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has accused Real Madrid of "whining" and fabricating a "global conspiracy theory" through their ongoing criticism of refereeing in Spain.
Ansu Fati found himself sidelined once again this weekend, missing out on Barcelona's trip to Las Palmas.