Real Madrid will appeal the suspension imposed on Uruguayan midfielder Fede Valverde, who was sent off in the clásico against Atletico Madrid for a challenge on Alex Baena, for which he could be punished with a 2-match ban after referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero noted in the match report the "use of excessive force" in a kick "without the ball being within playing distance."

In the 77th minute of the clásico played at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Munuera Montero showed a straight red card to Fede Valverde after a challenge on Alex Baena in the midfield.

Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said the referee explained to him during the match that Valverde "goes from behind, does not play the ball and the only intention is to bring him down (Baena) with excessive force," a gesture he appreciated, although he noted that he does not share the official's opinion.

"He told me it was excessive force, and I do not consider it as such. There are many challenges like that. He goes down, without the possibility of causing harm or injuring the opponent. That's my view, different from his, but I appreciate that he came to explain it even though it doesn't change anything, and the red card made things very difficult for us," Arbeloa said.

Hours after the match, the white club, upset with the wording of the match report, which states that the expulsion was for "kicking an opponent, without the ball being within playing distance, using excessive force," which carries a suspension of at least 2 matches, Real Madrid sources confirmed to EFE that they will file an appeal.

Fede Valverde would miss, if he receives the minimum sanction for what is reflected in the match report, the league visit to Mallorca on April 4 and the match at Santiago Bernabeu against Girona on the 10th.

While the match report cites "excessive force," the merengue club is convinced the red card was an overly harsh punishment for routine play. The truth is, with the appeal already underway, the final word will come from the Competition Committee.

If they do not reverse the decision, Madrid will have to manage without their best man at the moment, as, in addition to being the playmaker, in recent matches, he has found the goal with regularity, becoming the hero in the round of 16 of the Champions League, against none other than Manchester City.

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