CTA backs Valverde red card decision after Real Madrid–Atlético controversy
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Referee Jose Munuera shows a red card to Federico Valverde of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images The fallout from Real Madrid’s derby clash with Atlético Madrid continues, with the Spanish refereeing authorities stepping in to defend the game’s most debated moment: the red card shown to Federico Valverde for a foul on Alex Baena. The incident, reviewed extensively, has now been formally upheld by Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), who supported referee José Luis Munuera Montero’s on-field call.
According to the CTA, the decision to send Valverde off was based on the nature of the challenge itself. In their assessment, the Uruguayan midfielder made contact with Baena ‘without any realistic attempt to play the ball’, doing so with a level of force that crossed into dangerous territory. The committee also clarified VAR’s role in the situation.
After examining the replay from multiple angles and at varying speeds, video officials determined that the contact, intensity, and overall action aligned with serious foul play. As a result, they saw no grounds to overturn the original decision, concluding there was no “clear and obvious error” from the referee. In essence, both the on-field call and the VAR review were deemed correct.
During the match, Munuera Montero had already explained his reasoning to Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa, emphasizing that Valverde approached from behind, made no attempt to play the ball, and committed the foul solely to stop the opponent with excessive force. Despite the backlash, the CTA expressed strong support for the referee’s overall performance in the derby. Internally, there was a sense of surprise at the level of criticism directed toward the officiating, with the committee viewing Munuera Montero’s display as not only correct in key decisions but also of a very high standard throughout the match.