During a hard-fought Madrid Derby where Real Madrid secured a 3-2 victory over city rivals Atlético, a contentious red card incident involving Federico Valverde became a major talking point. In the second half, with the match hanging in the balance, Valverde was sent off after committing a foul on Álex Baena.
The decision to show a straight red, rather than the widely expected yellow card, left Real Madrid’s camp, especially head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, in a state of shock and frustration. Referee José Luis Munuera subsequently approached the sideline to clarify his ruling to Arbeloa, stating precisely: “He does not go for the ball, only player.”
