Real Madrid News
Real Madrid release official statement against refereeing after defeat to Atletico Madrid
Earlier today, Real Madrid succumbed to the second defeat of their season as they slipped up against Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The two teams tussled hard in the opening half and ended it goalless, but the game followed a completely different trajectory after the break.
Los Blancos were reduced to ten men after Dean Huijsen’s last-man foul, and Atletico Madrid capitalised on the same to push to a 2-0 lead.
The game eventually ended in a defeat, and one with a bitter aftertaste given the multiple refereeing decisions which went against them.
Official statement released
After the defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier today, Real Madrid officially took to their social media to release a statement on the refereeing and the double standards.
“Real Madrid lost the derby at the Metropolitano in a match marked by Ortiz Arias’ very terrible refereeing,” the statement began.
Elaborating on the decisions of the referee that went against the team, Real Madrid called out the decisions not to send off Cristian Romero or Kang In Lee.
“He failed to send off Cuti Romero in the first half for stepping on Bellingham’s knee (despite going to the monitor to review the incident), nor did he send off Kang-In Lee for stepping on Valverde’s left ankle.”
Concluding their statement, the club stated,
“Both decisions had an impact on the match, which was ultimately decided in Atlético’s favor in the second half.”
A tough pill to swallow
Real Madrid should have been a man up in the opening half of the game, but the decisions that went against them eventually ended in a numerical disadvantage.
After going down to ten men, there was simply no going back for Real Madrid as they never really got going and struggled to string possession.
Needless to say, it will be a difficult pill for Real Madrid to swallow as they not only lost in a derby game but are also six points behind Barcelona on the leaderboard.
They will now disperse for the international break, and the team have a mountain to climb after they return.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
