Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho arrived at his post-match press conference holding printed screenshots of two incidents he claimed warranted Atletico Madrid red cards following a 2-1 derby defeat. Mourinho highlighted a 37th-minute clash between Jude Bellingham and Cristian Romero, where Romero's studs contacted Bellingham's knee, and a challenge by Lee Kang-in on Fede Valverde. Both Atletico players received yellow cards after VAR review. "We can skip the press conference because the story of the match is right here," Mourinho said, arguing 11 vs 9 for 50 minutes would have changed the game.

Diego Simeone dismissed the complaints, emphasizing respect for referees and colleagues. "When someone crosses that line of respect, it's not right," he said. Despite the loss — Real's second this season — Mourinho praised his players' character and first-half performance. The defeat leaves Real fourth in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona, with Atletico second. Mourinho insisted the season is long: "It's not about how it starts, it's about how it ends."