UEFA delivers great news to Real Madrid in the Champions League

This ruling instantly attracted attention just before the showdown at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

UEFA officially rejects Benfica's appeal regarding midfielder Federico Valverde, confirming that the Uruguayan star is eligible to play in the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid.

Previously, Benfica submitted an official complaint to UEFA, claiming that Valverde committed violent conduct against young defender Samuel Dahl in the 83rd minute of the first leg in Lisbon. The Portuguese side insisted that slow-motion footage showed Real Madrid’s midfielder deserved a direct red card.

However, after reviewing all documents and match footage, UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee concluded there was insufficient evidence to impose additional sanctions. The referee and VAR had not identified any serious foul play, so Europe’s highest football authority decided to close the case.

Benfica expressed disappointment with this ruling, emphasizing that the collision should have been punished retrospectively. Nonetheless, their efforts to apply pressure before the second leg did not yield the desired outcome for the Portuguese club.

For Real Madrid, this is a huge boost to their moraleValverde has long been regarded as the "engine" of the midfield due to his relentless work rate, defensive support, and powerful long-range shots. In high-stakes Champions League matches, the Uruguayan international consistently displays remarkable composure and stability.

Given the tight schedule and the pressure to advance, retaining Valverde helps Real Madrid maintain their familiar tactical structure. He can play as a central midfielder, shift right, or move inside depending on the match situation. This versatility is a crucial strategic asset against Benfica, a team known for its speed and aggressive pressing.

The second leg at Santiago Bernabéu promises to be intense as the first leg’s margin was narrow. Real Madrid needs a solid performance, while Benfica will undoubtedly put all their effort into overturning the result. In this context, Valverde’s presence is significant not only tactically but also psychologically.