Federico Valverde set to escape potential ban after Alex Baena incident

Valverde in action against Villarreal

Federico Valverde set to escape potential ban after Alex Baena incident

Stephen Oladehinde 14:20 - 09.04.2023

Fede Valverde, a midfielder for Real Madrid, is expected to avoid a potential 12-game suspension for hitting Alex Baena following the Villarreal match.

Real Madrid lost to Villarreal 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Saturday which led to an incident between the Real Madrid midfielder and the Villarreal player.

Both clubs have decided not to report the case to the Spanish Football Federation and take any action regarding the incident according to Diario AS

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Baena denies allegation

As Valverde hit Baena as he boarded the Villarreal team bus on Saturday night following Villarreal's 3-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, the club's initial response was to leave the decision to their player.

Meanwhile, the pair’s history of confrontation dates back to the Copa del Rey fixture between Real Madrid and Villarreal when Baena is alleged to have made a provocative comment towards Valverde.

In a cup game earlier this year, Baena allegedly said to Valverde, "Cry now that your son is not going to be born." According to reports, the remark was made right as Valverde's wife was at risk of losing their second child.

However, Mina Bonino, the Madrid star's partner, initially thought she had lost the baby, but later testing showed the infant was healthy.

Baena posted on social media on Sunday morning: “Very happy with the team’s impressive victory in a place like the Santiago Bernabeu, but at the same time very sad about the aggression, I suffered after the match and surprised by what is being said about me. IT IS TOTALLY UNTRUE THAT I SAID THAT.”

Valverde confirms the incident   

The 24 years old has told Marca that his alleged "aggression" actually did occur. He also claimed that it was in response to fresh remarks of a similar comment made during the game on Saturday, however, Baena denied the allegations.

The maximum suspension for such an assault is four to twelve games, however, the incident was not mentioned in the referee's report, and it will only be addressed if a formal complaint is made.

According to ESPN, Villarreal has spoken with Spanish police and will let Baena decide whether or not to file a complaint. Real's setback on Saturday continues an inconsistent season for Carlo Ancelotti's side, aside from any off-field concerns.

They are still in the Champions League and defeated Barcelona 4-0 to go to the Copa del Rey final last week, but they have lost more ground to Xavi's team in LaLiga. Barca now leads the league by 12 points, but they will have an opportunity to increase it on Monday when they play Girona..