Real Madrid isn’t letting Fede Valverde’s dismissal in the Madrid Derby slide without a fight. The club has officially confirmed they will appeal the straight red card handed to the Uruguayan midfielder during their 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu.
Valverde, who had already scored earlier in the match, was sent off in the 77th minute following a challenge on Alex Baena. Referee José Luis Munuera Montero didn’t hesitate, pulling out the red for what he described in his match report as “kicking an opponent with excessive force while the ball was out of play.”
The Core of the Appeal
Los Blancos management is reportedly furious, with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa—now leading the first team—publicly disagreeing with the official’s call. While Arbeloa appreciated the referee coming over to explain the decision, he maintained that the challenge was a standard tactical foul and didn’t warrant a direct dismissal.
The appeal focuses on two main goals:
1. Full Rescission: Having the red card overturned entirely or downgraded to a yellow.
2. Ban Reduction: If the red stands, Madrid wants to ensure it doesn’t trigger the standard two-match suspension for “violent conduct” without an attempt to play the ball.
What’s at Stake?
As it stands, Valverde is poised to miss the upcoming La Liga fixtures against Mallorca (April 4) and Girona (April 10). With the title race heating up, losing a captain-figure and midfield engine like Fede is the last thing Arbeloa needs.
Interestingly, if the ban holds, Valverde would at least be fresh and fully rested for the massive Champions League quarter-final showdown against Bayern Munich. However, Madrid wants their star man available for every domestic battle possible as they look to pull away at the top of the table.
Expect a final ruling from the Spanish FA’s Competition Committee later this week.
