Mourinho didn’t arrive with excuses. He arrived with evidence. After Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Atlético at the Metropolitano, the Portuguese coach pulled out a sheet with photos during the press conference: two red-card incidents.
Cuti Romero’s tackle on Bellingham and Lee Kang-in’s on Valverde, two plays that in his view should have been straight red cards. He also took aim at the 41-year-old referee with no international experience.
“They put a 41-year-old referee with no international experience in charge, not because he is a great referee. Then, the poor guy couldn’t handle the pressure”, said Mourinho.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid six points behind Barcelona, who are fourth in the table. Simeone did not stay quiet: he called for respect among colleagues and held up Manuel Pellegrini as an example.
Two versions, one match, and a war of statements that is only just beginning.