Atlético beat Real 2-1 in stormy derby as Mourinho turns press conference into protest

Atlético Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a stormy Madrid derby at the Metropolitano on 20 September.

A crowd of 70,514 watched José Mourinho's Real side finish with 10 men against Diego Simeone's Atlético in the Spanish league clash, The Guardian.

Jonathan David and Alejandro Grimaldo scored the goals that won it for Atlético. Antonio Rüdiger headed Real's reply from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner, LaLiga. David's goal put him in club history as only the seventh Atlético player to score in his first three league matches, Atlético de Madrid.

The game turned early in the second half. Real defender Dean Huijsen fouled Giuliano Simeone and gave away a penalty. He was sent off. Atlético scored from the spot to take the lead.

Mourinho was furious. At his post-match press conference he held up a printed sheet with two freeze-frame images. One showed Cuti Romero's studs catching Jude Bellingham's knee. The other showed Kang-in Lee landing on Fede Valverde's ankle. He argued both challenges deserved red cards.

He accused the match officials of losing control and criticised the referee and VAR, the video officials who review big decisions on replays, Reuters.

Real Madrid backed him in strong terms. The club titled its official match report "A dreadful refereeing performance decides the derby", Real Madrid. It said Mourinho's side pushed for an equaliser until the final whistle but could not find one.

Simeone struck a calmer note. He urged respect after a fiery derby.

Before the game, Mourinho had said the mental strength of his team gave him confidence heading to Atlético. That belief did not survive the second half.

What makes this stand out is the history on the touchline. Mourinho and Simeone know each other well. On this night, Simeone's team took the points and Mourinho took his complaint to the cameras.