In Madrid, the derby has moved from the Metropolitano pitch to the clubs’ social-media channels. Atlético Madrid responded to Real Madrid and José Mourinho with a pointed post urging an end to what it sees as sustained pressure on Spanish referees.
The message arrived after Mourinho appeared before the media holding images of incidents Real Madrid believe should have brought red cards for opposition players. Madrid have also circulated material highlighting decisions they feel have gone against them.
Quick facts
- Atlético addressed Real Madrid’s complaints about refereeing decisions.
- The club’s video showed a printed image of José Mourinho at a press conference.
- Atlético’s accompanying message called for referee pressure to stop.
- The Spanish referees’ technical committee released VAR audio from two major derby incidents.
- Atlético won the match at the Metropolitano.
Atlético’s video begins with someone collecting a printout before revealing Mourinho’s image, with the Real Madrid coach holding the disputed-action photographs. The post was a clear rejection of the campaign surrounding Madrid’s recent complaints.
It was not Atlético’s first online jab at a rival. The club had previously mocked Barcelona on social media during the Catalan side’s attempt to sign Julián Álvarez.
The refereeing debate has also reached the official review process. Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees published the exchanges between on-field official Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias and VAR referee Daniel Jesús Trujillo, explaining why sanctions were altered in two significant moments of the match.
Nothing will alter the final result: Atlético took the derby and were regarded as the stronger side at the Metropolitano. Yet the disputed decisions remain part of the aftermath, particularly in an early title race where Barcelona have made a strong start in pursuit of a treble.
Real Madrid are determined not to surrender points and want the incidents they consider contentious to receive scrutiny. Atlético, including Diego Simeone, have not welcomed the tone of Mourinho’s comments.
There has been no further ruling on the specific actions challenged by Madrid as the fallout from Saturday in the Spanish capital continues.
