Madrid’s derby at the Metropolitano reached half-time with more friction than fluency, as Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid became locked in a contest of tackles, collisions and mounting complaints.
Real Madrid were particularly unhappy with two Atlético incidents they believed could have led to dismissals, involving Romero and Kang-in Lee. The sharper protest came shortly before the interval, when Kang-in challenged Fede Valverde from behind near the centre circle.
Referee Ortiz Arias was close to the incident and awarded Real Madrid a free-kick, but did not show Kang-in a yellow card. VAR official Trujillo Suárez did not call for a review or intervene in the decision.
Television replays showed the Atlético attacking midfielder making contact with Valverde’s ankle, with the Uruguay international’s foot appearing to turn under the force of the challenge. Valverde immediately appealed to the referee, who instructed Real Madrid to take the free-kick before the full severity of the tackle became clear on replay.
A derby unsettled by discipline
The episode added to an already tense first half in the Spanish capital. Neither side had established much footballing rhythm, with the match repeatedly broken up by physical challenges and confrontations.
For Real Madrid, the lack of punishment for Kang-in became the defining grievance of the opening period, especially given the apparent danger of the contact on Valverde’s ankle. Atlético, meanwhile, entered the break having avoided any card in that incident despite the pressure around it.
