Real Madrid played a controversial Madrid derby to close out club football just before the international break, losing 2-1 in a game marred by refereeing controversy.

Los Blancos’ anger over the refereeing in their derby defeat has received some unexpected support from Barcelona midfielder Rodri.

That said, the Spain international disagreed with suggestions that refereeing decisions are being used to shape the title race.

Rodri agrees Madrid should have faced nine men

Speaking to COPE, Rodri said Atletico Madrid deserved their victory on the balance of the football, but agreed with Jose Mourinho’s assessment of two of the most controversial incidents at the Metropolitano.

“From a footballing perspective, it was an even match. I think Atletico had more presence on the pitch, made better decisions, turned the game around, and I think they deserved to win,” Rodri said.

He was then asked about the challenges involving Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee, both of which became central to Mourinho’s furious response after the match.

“And then there are incidents that could have been handled differently; I don’t think anyone would deny that,” Rodri said.

“Cuti’s challenge is a bit trickier because I’m not sure whether he could have pulled his foot away or not. And perhaps in Kang-in’s case, though I don’t think he did it on purpose, a red card could have been given.”

The Kang-in incident has become particularly significant because Fede Valverde suffered an ankle injury following the challenge and is expected to spend time on the sidelines.

Rodri sees them as individual refereeing mistakes

Rodri nevertheless drew a clear distinction between questioning individual decisions and suggesting the competition itself is being manipulated.

“I think referees can sometimes make mistakes, but I don’t believe they have a significant impact over the course of a 38-match league season in that regard,” he said.

Asked specifically about claims that La Liga is being prepared for Barcelona to win, Rodri was unequivocal.

“I think that does football a disservice; I think we should try to avoid that sort of talk; I think football is above all that,” he said.

“We’re human and we all make mistakes. There are days when you’re on form and days when you’re off form, and sometimes that works against you and sometimes it doesn’t.”

“It’s fine to defend your club and stand your ground, in fact, I’ve done so myself on a few occasions, but only up to a point. I don’t believe in that sort of thing.”

Rodri’s comments are interesting from a Real Madrid perspective. A player representing their biggest title rival accepts there was a case for stronger punishment in the derby, particularly for Kang-in.

The ex-Manchester City superstar was then also asked about the what he felt about Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe campaigning publicly for the Ballon d’Or.

As a recipient of the award himself in the past and in the reckoning this time as well, he remained coy in his response.

“I’m a humble guy; I think it’s great that the best in the world are being considered. Now everything is more open than in the Messi and Cristiano era,” he said.

When the shoe is on the other foot

With Rodri, there is the obvious angle of how he was very close to a move to Real Madrid before making a U-turn to join Barça.

Over the course of a long La Liga season, refereeing decisions will undoubtedly also go against the Catalan club.

It remains to be seen whether Rodri is able to react to those in the same way he has reacted to the wrong refereeing decisions against Madrid.

The bottom line, however, is that the referee cost Los Blancos the Madrid derby, and it remains to be seen how La Liga go about keeping such incidents in check in the coming weeks.