Real Madrid's Alonso plays down Valverde controversy

The build-up has been overshadowed by media reports of unrest involving Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde, who was left on the bench in Tuesday's 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty. Valverde has denied claims that he refused to play as a right fullback, taking to social media to reaffirm his commitment to the club, saying that "I always let (the coach) know that I am available to perform anywhere." When pressed about whether players influence his team selection, Alonso remained diplomatically vague: "No one has ever told me that they don't want to play in a certain position. Everyone wants to play, but no one has said that to me." Valverde, who is one of Real Madrid's captains, is expected...