- Valverde and Baena involved in ongoing feud
- Real player punched opponent in car park
- Baena allegedly insulted Valverde about unborn child
WHAT HAPPENED? After Real Madrid's dramatic 3-2 defeat it is alleged that Valverde punched Baena in the bus parking area. The pair had a war of words on the pitch, with Valverde telling Baena he would meet him after the game - and he clearly meant it.
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WHY DID VALVERDE PUNCH BAENA? During a Copa del Rey match between the two sides in January, Baena is alleged to have insulted Valverde about his unborn son. It is claimed Baena repeated a similar slur in Saturday's match and Valverde reacted by waiting for Baena in the bus parking lot and attacking him. The Villarreal winger was later seen with a bruise and swollen cheek.
WHAT THEY SAID: Baena has denied making any comments of that nature, posting on Instagram: "Very sad about the aggression I suffered after the match and surprised by what is being said about my person. It is totally false that I said that!"
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Valverde and his partner Mina Bonino experienced a miscarriage scare earlier this year, but in February they were given the brilliant news that that was not the case and that their unborn child was actually alive and well. The day after receiving this news he scored a brace in the Club World Cup final.
AND WHAT'S MORE: Spanish outlet AS believe that neither Villarreal or Baena are going to take the incident further. If they do not file a complaint, it is likely that Valverde will escape without punishment from the league and will be available for Real Madrid for the remainder of the season.
IN A PHOTO:
Valverde and Baena challenging for the ball.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VALVERDE & REAL MADRID? Real Madrid's attention will turn to Wednesday night when they host Frank Lampard's Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.