Spanish referees say Lee Kang-in should have been sent off in Real Madrid derby loss

The Spanish Football Federation’s Technical Committee of Referees has ruled that Atlético Madrid’s Lee Kang-in should have been sent off for a tackle on Federico Valverde in the derby Real Madrid lost 2-1. The committee, which operates under the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), upheld two other key decisions: Dean Huijsen’s red card for fouling Giuliano Simeone in the penalty area and the yellow card shown to Cristian Romero for a challenge on Jude Bellingham.

Huijsen’s foul came with the score 0-0. His dismissal led to a penalty, which Alejandro Grimaldo converted to give Atlético Madrid the opening goal. The defeat leaves Real Madrid fourth in La Liga after seven matches, six points behind leaders Barcelona.

After the final whistle, head coach José Mourinho brought printed photographs of the Romero and Lee tackles to his mandatory post-match press conference, arguing that both warranted direct red cards. Real Madrid TV later broadcast segments criticizing the match officials. The club also issued a statement targeting La Liga President Javier Tebas after he publicly defended the refereeing crew.

The focus on officiating came as Real Madrid’s attack struggled: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior finished the match without a shot on target. Club personnel pointed to continuing problems with midfield control and squad discipline, comparing them with structural issues from the previous season. They linked the lack of central playmaking to the club’s failure to sign a specialist creative midfielder in the summer transfer window, despite Mourinho’s request for a player to improve ball progression and control the tempo.

Before the derby, Real Madrid had won six of its first seven matches across all competitions. Its only previous defeat was a 1-0 away loss to Real Betis.

Mourinho and his coaching staff privately acknowledged to team personnel that tactical adjustments and internal self-criticism were needed to address the performance problems. Staff members said they were confident the team could erase Barcelona’s six-point lead over the remainder of the domestic league season.

Real Madrid will return from a three-week international break on October 10, hosting Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.