Real Madrid News
Watch: Valverde’s reaction to match referee after crunching Kang-in Lee tackle in Madrid derby
It has been a couple of days since the controversial Madrid derby, which Los Blancos lost 2-1, and discussion still surrounds some of the refereeing decisions on the night.
Jose Mourinho made it very clear after the game that the referee had cost them, even bringing out pictures of challenges he believes should have resulted in red cards for Atletico.
Fede Valverde’s immediate reaction to Kang-in Lee’s controversial challenge during Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid has now emerged.
Valverde demands an explanation
Footage circulating after the match shows Valverde confronting the referee following the tackle and demanding to know why Kang-in had escaped further punishment.
“Did you see it? Aren’t you going to punish him?” Valverde could be heard asking the referee.
🗣️ "Eh, lo viste, ¿no lo vas a amonestar?"
— DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) September 22, 2026
Valverde pedía tarjeta roja al árbitro tras sufrir la entrada de Kang-in Lee 🟥#ElDERBIenDAZN #LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/06P1GGO5Aq
The reaction is particularly notable given what happened to the Madrid midfielder afterwards. Valverde attempted to continue despite the heavy contact around his left ankle.
It was then confirmed that the Real Madrid captain had suffered severe trauma to his ankle and that it had swollen like a ball.
The midfielder is now expected to spend a few weeks on the sidelines, with a grade-three sprain being confirmed.
Valverde would have been better off staying on the ground
As quickly as Valverde sprang back to his feet to confront the referee, he may have been better off staying on the ground.
The speed at which the Uruguayan recovered after the tackle almost seemed to downplay its severity.
Had he stayed on the ground holding his ankle, though, there is a very good chance both the referee and the VAR would have become involved in making a decision.
While punishments for harsh challenges should not directly depend on a player’s reaction, it does go a long way towards making the case.
Unfortunately for Madrid, though, Kang-in Lee escaped unscathed, and Dean Huijsen was sent off some time later, putting them on the back foot.
The derby has once again brought the refereeing in La Liga back into the spotlight, and it remains to be seen whether there is any improvement on this front in the coming months.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
