Following Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in Sunday night’s derby, Atletico players Marcos Llorente and Johnny Cardoso voiced their dissatisfaction with the officiating, specifically highlighting a denied penalty appeal for Llorente in the first half.
While both teams expressed grievances post-match, Atletico coach Diego Simeone refrained from attributing the loss to the referee. Real Madrid’s manager Alvaro Arbeloa, however, publicly questioned Fede Valverde’s red card. Real Madrid felt aggrieved by receiving two cards for only two fouls, while Atletico complained about only two fouls being called in their favour throughout the entire match. Notably, both Llorente and Cardoso received bookings that resulted in suspensions.
Johnny Cardoso: ‘Different criteria used for one side’
Speaking to Movistar+ after the game, as reported by Cadena SER, Cardoso stated his belief that the referee applied inconsistent criteria. “We gave our all. It was a tough match. From my perspective, Marcos deserved a penalty that wasn’t awarded. I believe the referee didn’t apply the same rules to both teams, calling fouls for one side but not for us. We need to keep progressing.”
Llorente – ‘I shot then a train came at me’
The next day, at a charity golf and padel event, Llorente elaborated on the uncalled penalty involving Carvajal to Marca. “I didn’t even realize what happened; I shot, and then it felt like a train hit me. I didn’t know who it was or anything specific. If VAR doesn’t intervene, situations like that pass very quickly.”
He added, “We understand it’s tough for the referee, but VAR is supposed to assist in these moments. If they saw nothing wrong, it’s puzzling. It seems illogical for a striker to shoot and then be fouled without consequence, simply because the shot was already taken, implying it’s ‘not a big deal.'”
