Valverde & Baena: New Twist & Fan Reaction – 1K Votes!
Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde will face no disciplinary action following allegations of assault against Villarreal’s Álex Baena, the Spanish football federation’s competition committee confirmed this week. The decision closes a case that began after an incident in the car park of Real Madrid’s Bernabéu stadium in April 2023, and follows a judge’s earlier dismissal of a criminal investigation due to insufficient evidence.
The initial complaint, filed by Baena with police, alleged that Valverde punched him after a LaLiga match between the two teams, which Villarreal won 3-2. Lawyers for both Valverde and Real Madrid successfully argued that the competition committee’s inquiry – which had threatened a five-game ban for Valverde – should be suspended given the criminal court’s findings. The committee ultimately agreed, stating it would not consider the substance of the allegations after the criminal case was dropped.
The ruling means Valverde will not miss the start of the upcoming season, having previously been at risk of sitting out matches against Athletic Club, Almeria, Celta Vigo, Getafe, and Real Sociedad. Sources reported at the time of the alleged incident that Valverde confronted Baena by the Villarreal team bus, reportedly over comments made during the match. Villarreal subsequently released a statement confirming the assault and their decision to involve law enforcement.
The case was further complicated by reports of an alleged verbal exchange between the players during the match itself. It was claimed that Baena made a remark concerning Valverde’s wife’s pregnancy, though these claims were denied by Baena and his representatives. The judge’s decision to halt the criminal investigation centered on a lack of corroborating evidence to support the assault allegations.
This is not the first instance of conflict between Valverde and Baena. In March 2026, Valverde was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Baena during a Madrid derby match against Atletico Madrid. Referee Montero Munuera justified the decision to Real Madrid officials, stating that Valverde did not attempt to play the ball. Real Madrid were able to secure a one-goal victory despite playing the final minutes with ten men.
Valverde made 34 league appearances for Real Madrid last season and scored twice in a friendly against AC Milan in Pasadena, California. The Spanish football federation’s competition committee has not released any further statement regarding the matter, and no appeal has been announced as of today.