Mourinho shows photos at press conference and says Atletico deserved two red cards

José Mourinho arrived at the press room visibly frustrated after Real Madrid's 2:1 defeat to Atlético Madrid and produced printed photographs to underline his objections. He singled out two first-half incidents he argued should have led to red cards for Atlético players.

On the images Mourinho showed journalists, one clip captured Cristian "Kuti" Romero stepping on Jude Bellingham's foot; the other displayed Lee Kang-in's challenge on Federico Valverde. Real were reduced to ten men later in the match when Din Hejsen was sent off in the 52nd minute.

Mourinho's message and concerns

Standing before cameras, Mourinho held up the prints and said, "The story of the match is here," using the photos to press his point that the referee failed to punish what he described as dismissible offences. He also questioned the appointment of the match official, naming Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias and calling attention to the intense pressure surrounding the derby.

The coach's tactic of using physical evidence at a press conference underlines how seriously he viewed the incidents; he expressed particular displeasure that neither situation in the first half resulted in dismissals, while his side had to cope with a sending-off in the second half.

Mourinho's remarks come on 20.09.2026 after a high-stakes Madrid derby that left Real searching for answers both on the pitch and in post-match debate.

Photo: press material from the event