Referee’s conversation with Real Madrid captain in the heat of penalty drama – ‘I didn’t see it’

The Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid on February 8, 2025, concluded in a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This result leaves Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid first and second in La Liga, separated by just one point.

The match was marked by a controversial penalty decision in the 35th minute. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni was adjudged to have fouled Atlético’s Samuel Lino inside the box. The referee, César Soto Grado, did not see the incident live and relied on VAR replays to make the call. Real Madrid players, including captain Lucas Vázquez, contested the decision, arguing that slow-motion replays can exaggerate contact. Despite their protests, the penalty stood, and Julián Álvarez converted it to give Atlético a 1-0 lead.

Real Madrid struggled initially but equalized quickly after halftime through Kylian Mbappé following a blocked Jude Bellingham shot. Both teams created opportunities but failed to secure a winning goal, leading to a tense and open second half. Diego Simeone acknowledged that the result left both teams feeling they could have won.

The match’s officiating was a significant talking point. Real Madrid had previously expressed concerns about refereeing decisions, and this game added to the controversy. Atlético Madrid responded to these concerns with a series of witty social media posts, mocking Real Madrid’s perceived attempts to influence referees. In one post, Atlético humorously sought linguistic advice from the Royal Spanish Academy on terms like “press,” “intimidate,” and “influence,” satirically referencing Real Madrid’s alleged tactics. citeturn0news12

The draw maintains the status quo at the top of La Liga, with Real Madrid holding a slim lead over Atlético. Both teams will be looking over their shoulders as FC Barcelona has the opportunity to close the gap in their upcoming match.

In the aftermath, Real Madrid’s captain, Lucas Vázquez, reflected on the result, stating, “It’s not enough for us.” This sentiment underscores the club’s high expectations and the disappointment of not securing a victory in such a crucial fixture.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed several topics in his post-match press conference, including the performances of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Dani Ceballos, as well as the contentious penalty incident. Ancelotti emphasized the need for the team to maintain focus and resilience as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid is reportedly working on signing at least one defender, with an Arsenal superstar emerging as a top target. This move indicates the club’s intent to bolster their defensive options as they aim to maintain their position at the summit of Spanish football.

The Madrid derby once again showcased the intense rivalry between these two clubs, both on and off the pitch. While the result leaves the title race finely poised, the surrounding narratives—from refereeing controversies to social media exchanges—add layers of intrigue to an already captivating season.

As the season progresses, both Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will need to navigate not only their on-field challenges but also the external pressures and mind games that come with competing at the highest level. The outcome of this derby serves as a reminder of the fine margins that can define a season and the importance of maintaining composure amid controversy.

For the fans, the 1-1 draw was a rollercoaster of emotions, encapsulating the drama and passion that make the Madrid derby one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football. As both teams continue their campaigns, supporters will be eager to see how their clubs respond to the challenges ahead.

In conclusion, the latest installment of the Madrid derby provided a microcosm of the broader narratives at play in La Liga this season. With the title race heating up and external storylines adding to the drama, the remainder of the season promises to be a thrilling ride for players and fans alike.