Baena 'very sad about the aggression' after allegedly being attacked by Valverde
Villarreal's 3-2 win over Real Madrid was overshadowed by an incident involving Alex Baena and Federico Valverde after the game.
Villarreal midfielder Alex Baena says he is "very sad about the aggression" after allegedly being attacked by Real Madrid's Federico Valverde following Saturday's match.
Baena played a full part in the LaLiga contest at the Santiago Bernabeu and assisted Samuel Chukwueze's late goal as Villarreal stunned Madrid 3-2.
According to widespread reports, the Spain Under-21 international was involved in a heated confrontation with Valverde shortly after the game.
It is alleged that Valverde punched Baena in retaliation to derogatory remarks the latter made about his unborn child in a previous encounter between the sides.
Villarreal are said to have the incident recorded and are discussing the next steps with local police.
Xisco Nadal, a team delegate for Villarreal, said in a now-deleted tweet: "Fede Valverde, loutish and cowardly."
Baena took to Instagram shortly after news of the incident emerged to seemingly deny making the previous comments that had been credited to him.
"Very happy with the impressive victory of the team on a stage like the Santiago Bernabeu," he said.
"But at the same time [I am] 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 it."
Baena has represented Spain at every age-grade level from Under-16 and has made over 50 appearances for Villarreal since making his senior debut in July 2020.
Neither Villarreal nor Madrid are yet to officially comment on the incident.