Atlético taunts Real Madrid over Valverde’s rapid Villarreal comeback
Valverde Villarreal Return Reignites Atlético-Real Madrid Dispute – Atlético Madrid posted a sarcastic message on Friday 9 October after Federico Valverde, the Uruguayan midfielder, was named in the squad for Saturday’s clash with Villarreal, just 17 days after Real Madrid announced he had suffered a grade‑three ankle sprain.
reported the club’s message on Friday, describing Valverde’s availability as a “miracle”. The post turned the recovery into another public exchange between the Madrid rivals. It revived the dispute that began after the derby injury.
Derby injury sparks controversy
Valverde was injured during the derby at the Metropolitano on Sunday 20 September, a match Real Madrid lost 2‑1. The incident stemmed from a challenge by Kang‑in Lee, for which Madrid sought a direct red card. The episode added tension that lingered long after the final whistle.
Real Madrid first described Valverde’s condition as severe trauma to his left ankle. After further tests, the club announced on Tuesday 22 September that the injury was a grade‑three sprain and that recovery would depend on progress. His return to the squad came 17 days after that diagnosis, not 17 days after the derby itself.
Atlético mocks Real Madrid while celebrating Valverde's recovery
Atlético’s sarcastic social‑media jab
Atlético published its sarcastic note on its official social‑media account, writing: “We want to congratulate Real Madrid for continuing to make history by proving that 100 % of the world’s medical community was wrong”. The remark was clearly ironic rather than a formal response to the diagnosis.
described the message as a continuation of the dispute, noting that the derby controversy was still being played out three weeks after the match. The clubs’ exchanges have already extended beyond the pitch, including a separate episode of institutional sparring in the aftermath of the derby.
Valverde completed Real Madrid’s final training session without problems and was available to manager Mourinho for the first match after the international break. His inclusion in the squad does not reveal how many minutes he will play, and neither club has lodged a formal complaint.