Essential Ndubuisi
Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena has reportedly filed a complaint with the police following an alleged assault by Real Madrid player Federico Valverde. The incident occurred after the LaLiga match on Saturday. Baena was allegedly punched while looking at his phone on his way to the Villarreal team bus.
Baena played a significant role in the LaLiga contest, where he assisted Samuel Chukwueze’s late goal as Villarreal beat Real Madrid 3-2. The Spain Under-21 international denied reports that he made crude personal remarks about Valverde before the alleged attack.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Villarreal confirmed the police involvement and said that Baena has the club’s support. They added that the club rejects any act of violence and believes in the player’s version of events and will support him throughout the process.
Valverde and Real Madrid are yet to comment on the alleged incident. Baena has represented Spain at every age-grade level from under-16 and has made over 50 appearances for Villarreal since making his senior debut in July 2020.
