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Mourinho blasts refereeing as Real Madrid loses Madrid derby

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho criticized match officials for losing control during Sunday's fiery encounter with Atletico Madrid, which the home side lost 2-1. Both camps have called for greater respect following the contentious fixture.

LSN Singapore · 20 September 2026

Mourinho blasts refereeing as Real Madrid loses Madrid derby

Jose Mourinho voiced strong displeasure with the refereeing in Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday's Madrid derby, using visual evidence to support his case. The Real Madrid manager displayed images of two first-half tackles during his post-match assessment, arguing that the officials had failed to maintain proper control of the encounter.

The intensity of the rivalry between the two Spanish capital clubs produced a match marked by tension and controversy. Mourinho's decision to present photographic evidence underscored the depth of his frustration with specific decisions made during the opening 45 minutes of play.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone responded to the heated atmosphere by calling for greater respect among all parties involved in the fixture. His comments reflected concerns about the increasingly fiery nature of the derby and the need for professionalism from players and officials alike.

The loss leaves Real Madrid searching for answers as the season progresses, while Atletico Madrid secured a significant victory in one of Spanish football's most compelling rivalries. Both managers' post-match remarks highlighted the passion inherent in the encounter, though they differed in their focus—Mourinho on officiating standards and Simeone on conduct and sportsmanship.