Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has criticised Spain’s refereeing authorities following his team’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s La Liga derby at the Metropolitano Stadium.

The defeat left Real Madrid in third position, six points behind unbeaten leaders Barcelona after their latest setback.

Mourinho was particularly unhappy with two first-half challenges involving Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in on Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, respectively.

The Real Madrid coach argued that both incidents warranted red cards and questioned the decisions made by the match officials.

“We could skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here,” Mourinho told reporters while holding up a sheet containing images of the incidents.

“They were two clear red cards.”

Real Madrid were later reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Dean Huijsen was sent off after fouling Giuliano Simeone and conceding a penalty.

Mourinho also criticised referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias, claiming that he struggled to deal with the pressure of officiating at the Metropolitano.

He directed further criticism at the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), questioning the appointment of Ortiz Arias for such a high-profile fixture.

“The ones who should be really happy are the referee appointment committee, because everything was very strange,” Mourinho said.

“They assign a referee who, at 41, has never been an international (referee), so it’s clearly not because he’s a great referee.”

The Portuguese also questioned the appointment of VAR official Daniel Trujillo, claiming that he had a previous history with Real Madrid.

“This combination… a referee, a poor referee, who has only done tiny little matches, and a VAR official with a big history… well, congratulations to the referee appointment committee,” he added.

Mourinho said he had not seen the incident that resulted in Huijsen’s dismissal.

Real Madrid have previously expressed concerns over Spanish officiating. In February 2025, the club submitted a formal complaint about refereeing to the Spanish football federation, describing the system as “rigged” and “completely discredited.”

The club’s television channel has also frequently criticised refereeing decisions in Spanish football.

Despite the defeat, Mourinho praised his players for their performance in the first half, even though Real Madrid failed to create many clear chances during the opening 45 minutes.

“They played a first half of great quality, of great personality,” he said.

Mourinho maintained that Real Madrid remain in contention for the Spanish title, provided they are allowed to compete on what he described as equal terms.

“If they leave us in peace and calm, if they let us compete on equal terms with everyone, there’s still a long way to go,” he said.