Real Madrid releases official statement on refereeing after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in a heated La Liga derby at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The club highlighted several controversial decisions by referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias, particularly incidents involving Cuti Romero, Kang-In Lee, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
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The defeat was Real Madrid’s second of the season and leaves Jose Mourinho’s side six points behind Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table.
Real Madrid releases official statement on refereeing
Real Madrid releases official statement on refereeing through its official channels following the derby defeat. In its match report, the club strongly criticised the decisions made by Ortiz Arias during the first half.
The main focus was on two incidents that Real Madrid believes should have resulted in red cards for Atletico Madrid players.
The first came in the 35th minute when Cuti Romero stepped on Jude Bellingham’s left knee during a challenge. Ortiz Arias initially booked Bellingham, but after a VAR review, he cancelled the yellow card and instead booked Romero.
Real Madrid argued that Romero should have been sent off for the challenge.
Real Madrid also questions Kang-In Lee decision
Nine minutes later, another controversial incident occurred involving Kang-In Lee and Federico Valverde.
According to Real Madrid’s official match report, Lee caught Valverde’s left ankle with his studs. Ortiz Arias was close to the incident but did not show the Atletico midfielder a yellow or red card.
Real Madrid included this decision in its official reaction, arguing that Lee should also have been dismissed.
The two incidents became central to the club’s complaints about the refereeing during the Madrid derby.
Dean Huijsen red card changes the game
The biggest turning point came shortly after halftime.
In the 50th minute, Ortiz Arias awarded Atletico Madrid a penalty after Dean Huijsen brought down Giuliano Simeone. The referee initially showed Huijsen a yellow card, but after another VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card.
Real Madrid were therefore reduced to 10 players, while Atletico received a penalty.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted from the spot to put Atletico Madrid 1-0 ahead.
The dismissal dramatically changed the match as Atletico were able to exploit their numerical advantage for the remainder of the game.
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Atletico Madrid doubles the advantage
Atletico Madrid continued to pressure Real Madrid after taking the lead.
Jonathan David doubled the advantage in the 59th minute, finishing from Giuliano Simeone’s cross. The goal gave Diego Simeone’s team a 2-0 lead and put Real Madrid in a difficult position.
Real Madrid struggled to create clear opportunities while playing with 10 men. Jan Oblak also produced an important save to deny Yan Diomande as Madrid attempted to get back into the match.
Rüdiger gives Real Madrid late hope
Real Madrid finally found a way back into the game in the 89th minute.
Antonio Rüdiger headed the ball past Oblak following a free kick from Bernardo Silva, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Despite pushing for an equaliser during the closing minutes, Real Madrid could not find a second goal. Atletico Madrid held on to secure all three points in the derby.
Mourinho reacts to controversial refereeing
The refereeing controversy continued after the final whistle, with Jose Mourinho also expressing his frustration over the decisions.
Reports from the match indicated that Mourinho particularly questioned the incidents involving Romero and Kang-In Lee. He also discussed the broader issue of refereeing following the defeat.
The reaction from both the club and Mourinho means refereeing has become one of the main talking points surrounding the derby rather than the result alone.
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What the defeat means for Real Madrid
The 2-1 loss is a significant setback for Real Madrid in the early La Liga campaign. Atletico Madrid moved above their city rivals in the standings, while Barcelona remained six points ahead of Mourinho’s team.
Real Madrid now have the international break to regroup before returning to league action.
The controversy surrounding Ortiz Arias will likely remain part of the discussion, but the result stands: Atletico Madrid defeated 10-man Real Madrid 2-1 after Huijsen’s red card, with Grimaldo and Jonathan David scoring for the home side and Rüdiger pulling one back late.