Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena has filed a complaint with police after he was allegedly assaulted by Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde following Saturday’s LaLiga match.
Spain Under-21 international Baena was reportedly involved in a heated confrontation with Valverde shortly after the match.
According to sports newspaper AS, Baena was punched while looking at his phone as he headed to the Villarreal team bus.
Baena played a full part in the LaLiga contest at the Santiago Bernabeu, assisting Samuel Chukwueze’s late goal as Villarreal beat Madrid 3-2.
In a statement issued late on Sunday, in which Valverde was not mentioned by name, Villarreal confirmed the involvement of the police and said Baena had the support of the club.
The club said: “Villarreal CF player Alex Baena was attacked last night on his way to the team bus after the match against Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
“In this situation, the player decided to file a police complaint against the aggressor.
“Villarreal CF again rejects any act of violence and strongly believes in the player’s version of events and will support him throughout this process.”
Baena denied reports that he had made crude personal remarks about Valverde before the alleged attack.
The 21-year-old has represented Spain at all age groups from the age of 16 and has made over 50 appearances for Villarreal since making his senior debut in July 2020.
Valverde and Los Blancos have yet to comment on Saturday’s alleged incident.
