Jose Mourinho entered the Metropolitano press room holding a printed A4 sheet instead of prepared remarks. The paper featured images from two first-half incidents he believed warranted red cards. Following Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, Mourinho argued that these pictures told the full story of the derby.
Alejandro Grimaldo scored a penalty in the 53rd minute, and Jonathan David added another six minutes later. Antonio Rudiger netted a late consolation goal for Real. The match ended with Real down to 10 men after Dean Huijsen was sent off early in the second half. This result left Atletico in second place on 16 points and Real in fourth on 15, trailing Barcelona by six points.
Mourinho stated, “We can skip the press conference as the story of the game is here; they are two clear red cards.” He referenced the challenges shown in his pictures: Cristian Romero’s studs on Jude Bellingham’s knee and Lee Kang-in’s tackle on Federico Valverde’s ankle. Mourinho believed both incidents deserved red cards but were not awarded as such.
Real Madrid’s official statement described the game as “marked by poor officiating.” Mourinho criticized Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) for appointing Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, a referee with no international experience. He called it “very strange” and questioned why a less-experienced official was chosen for such a high-stakes match.
Real Madrid heads into the international break with two league defeats. Mourinho left his controversial pictures on the table as evidence of what he believed was a refereeing mishap. The debate over the game’s officiating will likely continue long after.