Madrid’s derby night at the Metropolitano ended with José Mourinho directing his anger beyond the 2-1 defeat to Atlético. The Real Madrid coach argued that two Atlético players should have been sent off before the interval and described the officiating as part of a wider pattern against his side.
Quick facts
- Atlético beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Metropolitano.
- Mourinho questioned referee Ortiz Arias and VAR official Trujillo.
- He believed Atlético deserved two first-half red cards.
- Ortiz Arias is 41 and is not an international referee.
- In February, Mourinho criticised refereeing he felt favoured Real Madrid while coaching Benfica.
Mourinho focused first on Ortiz Arias, saying the referee had been overwhelmed by what he called an old-style atmosphere of pressure. He noted that the official, aged 41, does not hold international status, suggesting that this reflected his level.
“He came here and could not cope with the pressure,” Mourinho said, referring to a type of derby environment he believes is now seen less often than it was decades ago. He added that the appointment had brought together a referee with limited experience of major fixtures and a VAR official he viewed with deep suspicion.
Trujillo, working from the video room, was another target. Mourinho said VAR had instructed Ortiz Arias to review the first incident he believed merited a dismissal, but had not intervened over what he regarded as the more serious second case.
The Portuguese coach said Trujillo had an extensive record in Real Madrid matches as a VAR official, then offered a pointed “congratulations” to the refereeing appointments committee. Around the club, the two disputed first-half situations have been presented as further evidence of an officiating campaign against Madrid.
A reversal from February
The complaint carries an obvious contrast with Mourinho’s position earlier this year. In February, while in charge of Benfica, he met Real Madrid in the Champions League play-offs and left the first leg frustrated despite Madrid’s 1-0 win.
Mourinho was sent off in that match and said he had merely voiced what he saw as an evident problem. He claimed the referee appeared to have a note indicating that Aurélien Tchouaméni, Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen should not be booked, alleging that neither Carreras nor Tchouaméni was cautioned when he believed they should have been.
At the time, Mourinho said his long experience on the touchline allowed him to recognise which players an official felt able to punish. He nevertheless accepted that Real Madrid had deserved victory and had been the stronger team.
