Atletico Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in La Liga on 20 September. Alejandro Grimaldo converted a penalty in the 53rd minute and Jonathan David added a second in the 59th, assisted by Giuliano Simeone Baldini. Antonio Rudiger pulled one back for Real Madrid in the 89th minute, assisted by Bernardo Silva.
Dean Huijsen had been sent off for Real Madrid in the 52nd minute, leaving his side to play the final 38 minutes with ten men. Atletico finished the game with 18 shots to Real Madrid’s eight and won three corners to one.
Mourinho prints photos at press conference
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho arrived at his post-match press conference carrying printed photographs of two incidents he believed should have resulted in red cards for Atletico Madrid players. The first showed Romero standing on Bellingham’s knee, for which the referee showed a yellow card. The second showed Lee Kang-in stepping on Valverde’s ankle, for which no card was shown.
Mourinho held up the pictures and said the story of the match was on that sheet of paper, not in anything he could say at the conference. He told reporters that both incidents deserved red cards and that his side should have been playing eleven against nine.
Mourinho questions referee’s suitability for the derby
Speaking on the programme Marcador, Mourinho questioned whether referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias had the standing to take charge of a Madrid derby. He said the referee had not been able to handle the pressure, and separately criticised VAR official Trujillo Suarez and the refereeing appointments committee for assigning the match.
Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the refereeing expert for Marca Radio, responded to Mourinho’s comments. He said every coach has the right to an opinion on refereeing decisions, but added that he saw no need for language with a negative tone. Gonzalez Fuertes said the head of the refereeing system should respond to Mourinho’s remarks, then added that he did not expect them to do so.
Puig celebrates with Mbappe tackle photo, Romero talks Messi
Atletico defender Marc Puig posted eight match photographs on social media after the final whistle, leading with an image of him sliding in on Kylian Mbappe. Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, Puig’s Spain international teammate, left a comment on the post.
Atletico defender Romero was also asked about Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who is set to play a farewell international on 6 October. Romero said Messi remains the best player in the world and that he should win the Ballon d’Or before he retires. Romero added that Messi’s departure from the national team was a surprise because he still looks in good condition.
