Federico Valverde was sent off in the 76th minute of Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid on Sunday night, and almost nobody at the Bernabéu agreed with referee José Luis Munuera Montero's decision.
The Uruguayan caught Álex Baena from behind in a challenge Munuera deemed reckless enough for a straight red. It was Valverde's first dismissal in 263 La Liga appearances — and the first time a Real Madrid player had been sent off in a La Liga derby against Atlético since Sergio Ramos, 17 years ago. The last six red cards in league meetings between these clubs had all gone to Atlético players.
Arbeloa was diplomatic but firm: "It's difficult to understand. I thank him for coming to the technical area to explain to me. Sometimes live it seems like something else, and I'm sure when he sees it, he will be able to change his mind. But then — it was 15 minutes of camaraderie, solidarity, defending very well, and the red card has come to mean nothing."
That last line is the point. Madrid held on. Julián Álvarez struck the post from long range. Alexander-Arnold's late free kick was tipped over by Musso. Lunin, excellent throughout in Courtois's absence, was not seriously beaten. Three points secured.
Valverde will miss the La Liga trip to Mallorca on April 4. He returns for the Girona home match, sandwiched between the two Champions League quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich.
