Benfica lodge complaint against Real Madrid’s Valverde over alleged punch
According to sources, Benfica have lodged a complaint with UEFA against Federico Valverde following an incident during the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Real Madrid CF.
The flashpoint reportedly occurred in the 82nd minute near the touchline, when Valverde — who captained the Spanish side — allegedly struck Benfica’s Samuel Dahl during an off-the-ball altercation.
From Benfica’s perspective, the Uruguayan midfielder should have been shown a red card. The incident was not reviewed by VAR during the match, prompting the Portuguese club to raise the matter formally with European football’s governing body.
Real Madrid went on to secure a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal from Vinicius Junior.
The game was also overshadowed by separate allegations of racist abuse, with claims that Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni directed insults at Vinicius — an accusation the Argentine has denied.
The two sides are set to meet again on February 25 at the Santiago Bernabéu, where a place in the Champions League round of 16 will be decided.
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