An Instagram story from Kylian Mbappé has sparked all sorts of theories... Sidelined with an injury from Sunday's Clasico (which Barça won 2-0), the Frenchman posted an Instagram story during the match, causing quite a stir in Spain. The message's unusual timing led some fans to interpret it as an ironic dig at his teammates amidst the already tense atmosphere in the Real Madrid dressing room.

After the #PivotGang, the "Hala Madrid" is stirring up passions. Closely watched by the entire Madrid fan community, Kylian Mbappé posted an Instagram story that caused quite a stir on Sunday night during the Clasico, which FC Barcelona won 2-0, securing the title for the Catalans at the end of the match.

Away from Camp Nou for this clash of the 35th day of Liga due to a hamstring injury, Kylian Mbappé was not on a romantic getaway, away from Madrid, this time, as he had been criticized for (but was allowed to be) at the end of April on the sidelines of Real Madrid's preparation against Espanyol in a tense end to the season.

This time, it's a photo posted to an Instagram story that's causing a stir. A "Hala Madrid" that initially seems rather innocuous. The problem? The photo was taken when the score was 2-0 in the 35th minute, not at the beginning of the match. Some fans, already angered and accustomed to the Frenchman's subtle communication tactics on social media, saw it as an ironic dig at his teammates while the locker room is in complete disarray.

A context of high tension

As reported by Real Madrid-focused media outlets, AS and Marca in particular, the timing may have been perceived as a slight provocation by some online supporters. These fans have in mind a verbal altercation with Bellingham in February, but especially the recent saga surrounding the violent clash between Frenchman Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde (captain since Dani Carvajal's absence), as well as the Portuguese signing Alvaro Carreras and Antonio Rudiger, which have all caused turmoil within the club at the end of this season.

Asked after the match about his striker's absence, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said he didn't know if Mbappé would be able to play again for his club before the end of the season. Would he have liked him to travel to Barcelona with the team? "I would have liked him to be 100% fit and able to play from the start, that's what I would have liked," he said.