Benfica File UEFA Complaint Against Valverde Ahead of Bernabéu Showdown
Benfica have lodged a disciplinary complaint with UEFA against Real Madrid's Fede Valverde over an alleged violent conduct incident in their Champions League play-off first leg.
Benfica have gone straight to UEFA after feeling hard done by in the first leg — and now Fede Valverde is the man in the spotlight ahead of Wednesday’s return fixture at the Bernabéu.
What’s the Complaint About?
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Benfica have filed a formal disciplinary complaint with UEFA against the Uruguayan midfielder, alleging violent conduct during the Champions League play-off first leg between the two sides.
The incident in question involves Valverde and Swedish full-back Samuel Dahl, and it happened around the 83rd minute of Tuesday’s match. The key frustration for the Lisbon club?
- The referee didn’t flag anything at the time
- VAR didn’t step in either
- Benfica feel the whole thing just… got waved away
So rather than let it slide, they’ve taken it upstairs.
The Timing Is Everything
This isn’t just a case of a club having a moan after the fact — there’s a very specific reason Benfica have moved quickly. They’re hoping UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee can rule on the matter before the second leg kicks off this Wednesday at the Bernabéu.
If UEFA do act and find Valverde guilty of violent conduct, he could potentially miss the return fixture — which would obviously be a massive deal for Real Madrid. Valverde has been one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most important players this season, the sort of bloke you really don’t want missing in a knockout tie.
Will It Actually Go Anywhere?
That’s the big question, innit. UEFA’s disciplinary process can move fast when it needs to, but getting a ruling turned around in time for a midweek game is no small ask. A few things to consider:
- Incidents missed by both the referee and VAR during the game can still be reviewed retrospectively by UEFA
- Violent conduct charges — if upheld — typically carry at least a one-match ban
- The burden is on Benfica to convince the committee that what happened warranted action
Whether you think this is legitimate gamesmanship, a genuine grievance, or a bit of both probably depends on which half of this tie you’re rooting for.
What’s at Stake
The second leg at the Bernabéu is already shaping up to be a proper occasion. Real Madrid will be favourites on their own patch, but Benfica clearly aren’t just rolling over — on or off the pitch. Filing this complaint sends a message that they’re not here to make up the numbers.
All eyes now on UEFA to see whether they move fast enough to make it matter.