According to AS, following the Madrid derby, Real Madrid continued to publicly emphasize referee decisions as the main talking point of the match. However, internally within the club, there was acknowledgment that the team needed to improve its on-field performance, and certain decisions regarding squad composition, particularly in midfield, were questionable.

Days after the match, Real Madrid's frustration persists. Until Tuesday afternoon—nearly 48 hours after the game—Real Madrid's official website still featured the derby report with the headline "Poor refereeing decisions determined the derby." The accompanying image showed two incidents that angered Real Madrid most: Cuti Romero's challenge on Jude Bellingham and Lee Kang-in's foul on Federico Valverde.

Real Madrid is determined to make its position clear: when analyzing this match, the decisions by referee Ortiz Arias should be the primary focus of discussion, and the club has repeatedly used the word "robbery." However, internally, Real Madrid has not shied away from other issues. The club admits the team's performance was poor and there are differing opinions about squad planning, but believes the referee's decisions in this match are more concerning than other problems.

Beyond the referee and VAR's performance, Real Madrid also acknowledges that the team played poorly in the derby, and recent matches generally have lacked consistent and fluid performances. Regarding the squad, it's worth debating whether another midfielder should have been signed—whether Rodri or a player with similar characteristics. There's also room to discuss whether some players could have departed to create space and change the team's current situation. The club generally believes this squad should be performing better than it currently is, but also recognizes that such improvement is not guaranteed.

Despite these internal reflections, Real Madrid maintains that the referee's decisions in the derby deserve more attention than the team's own problems. In the club's view, Ortiz Arias's refereeing was poor and clearly harmed Real Madrid. After the match, footage of a handball by Puerta—not shown in the television broadcast—further fueled Real Madrid's discontent. Real Madrid believes this handball should have resulted in a penalty, and Puerta should have received a second yellow card.

A three-week international break is approaching. Mourinho must maximize the available players to continue improving the team's performance and tactical system. The club also expects him to support Real Madrid's position when questioned about refereeing decisions and has designated him as the sole spokesperson on this matter. While Real Madrid expresses its frustration publicly, it must also reflect privately in training sessions, a sentiment shared by some players. Kylian Mbappé previously told AS: "We have to work harder; we have to do better."

Traduzido por IA.

O site do AF já está online! Acesse notícias completas, comentários, detalhes de partidas e estatísticas no seu computador. Acesse: www.allfootballapp.com