Mourinho Criticizes Referees for Key Calls in Madrid Derby Loss

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho opened his post-match press conference by holding up printed photographs of two first-half tackles, using the images to publicly condemn refereeing decisions after his side lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

The capital derby turned volatile when Real defender Dean Huijsen fouled Giuliano Simeone inside the penalty area. The referee issued a red card for the last-man challenge, allowing Alejandro Grimaldo to convert the penalty. Jonathan David added a second goal for Atletico six minutes later before Antonio Ruediger scored a late free-kick header to narrow the margin.

Real Madrid players and staff spent the second half arguing with officials over missed calls. They pointed to a stamp by Atletico defender Cristian Romero on Jude Bellingham that did not result in a dismissal. A separate challenge by Lee Kang-in on Federico Valverde also drew complaints. The midfielder finished the game but was later diagnosed with severe trauma to his left ankle and will undergo further medical tests.

Mourinho directed his sharpest criticism toward referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias. He pointed out that the official is 41 years old and has never worked international matches. “They’ve put a referee, aged 41, with no international experience – it’s certainly not because he’s a great referee,” Mourinho said. He added that the official struggled to manage the intense atmosphere at the stadium.

The manager framed the result as a setback for Real Madrid’s title hopes. The club currently sits six points behind league leaders Barcelona. “If they just leave us in peace and let us compete on a level playing field with everyone else, we’ve still got a long way to go,” he said. When pressed on whether the officiating was deliberately unfair, he stopped short of claiming a conspiracy but insisted the officials made clear errors.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone urged his counterpart to show more restraint. He reminded coaches that crossing professional boundaries damages the sport. “When you step outside the bounds of respect, whoever you are, it’s not on. You can’t cross that line,” Simeone said. He shifted focus to his team’s tactical execution, noting that his side maintained control throughout both phases of the game.

The victory moves Atletico Madrid into second place in La Liga. They now hold 16 points, sitting one point ahead of Real Madrid and league leaders Barcelona.