Spain's refereeing committee upheld the red card given to Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde during Sunday's 3-2 LaLiga derby against Atlético Madrid. Referee José Luis Munuera sent off Valverde in the 77th minute for a challenge on Álex Baena, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirming the decision as 'serious foul play.' The CTA stated Valverde 'made a challenge from behind, arriving late, making contact with the ankle and without a real possibility of playing the ball,' justifying the red card. Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa disagreed, calling the tackle 'not excessive,' but acknowledged the referee's explanation.

The ruling allowed Atlético to maintain a narrow lead, though Real's comeback kept them within four points of Barcelona in the title race. The CTA emphasized the decision was 'appropriate,' with no clear error in the VAR review.