sports

Benfica files complaint against Valverde over alleged violent conduct

Benfica has filed a formal complaint with UEFA against Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde for alleged violent conduct during the first leg of the Champions League Round of 32. Valverde is accused of swinging his arm towards Samuel Dahl's head in the 80th minute, an incident that did not trigger VAR intervention.

Benfica’s formal complaint to UEFA cites Valverde’s alleged arm swing at Samuel Dahl during the 80th minute of the first‑leg match, a gesture that was not reviewed by VAR and whose contact level remains unclear. The club seeks disciplinary action despite UEFA’s current focus on the Vinicius‑Prestianni case, where no suspension is expected.

The return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu will see both teams, including Valverde, Dahl, Vinicius and Prestianni, likely on the field, adding tension to a match where Los Blancos hold a 1‑0 aggregate advantage.