Villarreal’s Álex Baena reports alleged assault by Federico Valverde after match

The Villarreal winger Álex Baena has reported an alleged assault on him by Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde after the La Liga game at the Bernabéu on Saturday.

Villarreal confirmed in a statement released on Sunday that Baena had formally reported the alleged attack to police. The club did not identify the alleged assailant in the statement, but said the incident took place when Baena was on his way to the visiting team bus after the match, which Villarreal won 3-2.

“Villarreal CF rejects any act of violence and firmly believes in the player’s version of events and will support him throughout the process,” the club said.

Baena posted on social media that he was “very happy for the incredible victory of my team at a stadium like the Santiago Bernabéu, but at the same time very sad for the assault I have suffered after the game.”

The Spanish radio station Cadena Ser and other media outlets reported that Valverde allegedly hit Baena while the Villarreal player was about to board the team bus. It has also been reported that Valverde was angry at the 21-year-old for alleged insults during the game, including a comment about his son.

On Twitter, Baena denied those reports, saying: “I am surprised about what is being said about me. It is completely false that I said that.” Real Madrid have not publicly commented about the alleged incident.

Capped by Spain at under-21 level, Baena came through Villarreal’s academy and has scored 10 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions this season.