After the 1-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, Jose Mourinho once again directed his attention to the referee's decisions. However, what happened on the field shows that Real Madrid still has more problems to solve than the story of controversial decisions.
This is a scenario that often appears after Real Madrid's defeats: some unfavorable decisions are repeated, referees become the focus and debates about VAR appear. Mourinho criticized referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias and VAR referee Daniel Jesus Trujillo Suarez, and also said that Real Madrid must bear unfair decisions.
In the two situations Mourinho mentioned, there is a basis for debate. The collision between Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham was reviewed by VAR, then the referee pulled back the yellow card for Bellingham and only warned Romero. However, from Mourinho's perspective, the Atletico center-back should have received a red card.
Romero maintained his position in the dispute and this situation can be considered dangerous. However, Ortiz Arias directly observed the ball and made the decision on the field. In a context where VAR only intervenes in situations that are considered clear and obvious mistakes, not raising the penalty to a red card can still be explained.
The situation between Lee Kang-In and Federico Valverde is causing more controversy. Atletico player's tackle caused Valverde to be hit hard, while Ortiz Arias did not pull out a card. Looking back at the image, this decision is unconvincing in terms of the level of punishment.
However, the referee seeing the situation and making an initial judgment also makes it difficult for VAR to intervene. To raise the penalty to a direct red card, the situation must meet the very high intervention threshold of VAR.
Mourinho has grounds when he believes that if Romero and Lee Kang-In are both sent off, Real Madrid will have a great advantage when playing with more than 2 players for most of the remaining time. But that still cannot change the fact that Atletico has played better.
Los Blancos had about 38 minutes to find an equalizer after Dean Huijsen received a red card and Atletico was awarded a penalty. But Mourinho's team did not put enough pressure. The decision to take Vinicius off the field to bring Yan Diomande in also showed that he wanted to change his approach, but Jonathan David's goal immediately afterwards almost extinguished Real Madrid's hopes.
Antonio Rudiger scored at the end of the match, but it was only enough to help Real Madrid narrow the gap. Thibaut Courtois continued to have important saves, while Atletico still maintained the game until the final whistle.
In the opposite direction, Atletico has many bright spots. Johnny Cardoso plays well in midfield, Giuliano Simeone impresses with his ability to support defense and create opportunities for David. David has also scored in 3 consecutive matches, helping Atletico have more options in attack.
This defeat caused Real Madrid to be 6 points behind Barcelona even though the new season is entering September. Therefore, the story after the derby is not only in the referee's decisions. Real Madrid needs to review how they react when facing disadvantages and their ability to maintain the game in important moments.
Mourinho may continue to question the referee, but the answer to Real Madrid's problems must be found on the field.
