Contentious Derby Victory
Atlético Defeats Real Madrid 2-1 in Contentious Derby Amid Referee Controversy
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Federico Valverde was reportedly expected to miss two to three weeks with an ankle injury after Kang-in Lee’s challenge, ruling him out of international duty with Uruguay.
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José Mourinho also criticized Spain’s refereeing committee, questioning the appointment of Ortiz Arias because the 41-year-old had never officiated an international match. Mourinho additionally claimed VAR official Daniel Jesús Trujillo had a “big history” with Real Madrid.
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Mourinho opened his post-match news conference by holding up still images of the disputed incidents and saying, “We could skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here,” before describing the challenges as “two clear red cards.”
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Atlético’s Giuliano Simeone said the derby had special personal significance because he grew up watching the club, particularly its matches against Real Madrid, describing the fixtures as “part of my way of life.”
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Simeone said he is using criticism constructively and identified his left foot, movement and long-range shooting as areas he wants to improve so he can contribute more to Atlético.
Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a fiery derby on September 20, moving into second place with 16 points while Real Madrid dropped to third with 15 points, six behind leaders Barcelona. News18 Atlético dominated with 65% possession and controlled the match despite Real Madrid pulling one back late through Antonio Rüdiger's 89th-minute header.
The match turned explosive when Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off in the 53rd minute after fouling Giuliano Simeone in the penalty box. SEDaily Alejandro Grimaldo converted the spot kick, and Jonathan David doubled Atlético's lead four minutes later from Simeone's cross. Real Madrid's José Mourinho immediately blamed referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias and VAR for failing to send off two Atlético players for dangerous challenges.
Mourinho's Explosive Press Conference Over Disputed Decisions
José Mourinho arrived at his post-match press conference holding printed photos of two disputed tackles. The Hindu He claimed Cristian Romero's challenge on Jude Bellingham in the 38th minute and Kang-in Lee's studs-up tackle on Federico Valverde in the 44th minute were both "two clear red cards." Mourinho said: "We could skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here."
The Real Madrid manager also criticized Spain's refereeing committee for appointing 41-year-old Ortiz Arias, who Mourinho noted had never officiated an international match. Korea JoongAng Daily Mourinho alleged VAR official Daniel Jesús Trujillo had a "big history" with Real Madrid. Real Madrid released an official statement saying the refereeing "marked the match" and prevented them from competing fairly.
Valverde's Ankle Injury Overshadows Real Madrid's Campaign
Real Madrid's captain Federico Valverde suffered a severe left ankle injury from Lee's challenge in the 44th minute and immediately left the field. Medical staff diagnosed the injury as serious, and SEDaily reports Valverde is expected to miss two to three weeks. The injury rules him out of Uruguay's upcoming international matches during the FIFA window.
Valverde's absence adds to Real Madrid's mounting injury concerns heading into a critical stretch of fixtures. The loss to Atlético was only Real Madrid's second setback under Mourinho, leaving them vulnerable to further gap widening in the title race as Barcelona sits six points clear at the top of La Liga.
Simeone Praises Derby Victory and Sidesteps Refereeing Debate
Atlético's Giuliano Simeone declined to criticize the officials, instead focusing on his team's dominant performance. He described the Madrid derby as deeply personal: "It is part of my way of life." The Hindu Simeone grew up watching Atlético play Real Madrid and called the fixture a cornerstone of his childhood. He scored in the 59th minute to set up Jonathan David's goal that sealed the victory.
Rather than blame officials, Simeone said he uses all criticism constructively. He identified three areas for personal improvement: his left foot, movement off the ball, and long-range shooting. The Hindu This measured response contrasted sharply with Real Madrid's post-match fury and highlighted Atlético's belief they earned the win through superior play, not refereeing favors.
Atlético Dominates While Jonathan David Continues Impressive Start
Atlético Madrid controlled the match from start to finish, with 65% possession and significantly more attacking chances. Jonathan David, in just his third La Liga appearance, scored the decisive second goal and became the first Atlético player in the 21st century to score in his first three league matches. SEDaily Real Madrid managed only two shots on target, highlighting how thoroughly Atlético shut down their rivals.
The victory propels Atlético into the title conversation after a shaky start to the season. Second place with 16 points leaves them within striking distance of Barcelona, while Real Madrid's drop to third suggests Mourinho's squad still has rhythm to build. Despite the late consolation goal from Rüdiger, Real Madrid never threatened to equalize after going down to ten men early in the second half.
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