Atletico Madrid players were asked to address the refereeing controversy surrounding their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid , with Giuliano Simeone , Alex Baena and Jan Oblak offering their views on the major incidents at the Metropolitano.
Giuliano was named Man of the Match after playing a decisive role in the victory.
He won the penalty that led to Dean Huijsen's dismissal and later provided the assist for Jonathan David 's winning goal.
With the derby dominated by discussion around Ortiz Arias and several VAR decisions, the Atletico players were inevitably asked about the officiating after the final whistle.
Giuliano was first asked about the scrutiny surrounding the officials and chose to take a measured approach, to which he said,
"I have a lot of respect for the referees; sometimes they make mistakes. I have a lot of respect for them because, first and foremost, they're people."
The Argentine was then asked whether the controversy could overshadow Atletico's victory. His response was focused on what the team could control.
Giuliano Simeone was the MVP of the Madrid derby. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
"To be honest, we always focus on ourselves; that's the sort of news you'll be reporting. We focus on ourselves, on trying to improve."
Giuliano was also asked about Jose Mourinho's comments regarding refereeing, but again refused to criticise the officials.
"I have a great deal of respect for the referees. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they get it wrong. If they made that decision, it's because that's how they saw it. "
Alex Baena was asked specifically about the first-half challenge involving Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham.
The incident was reviewed by VAR after Ortiz Arias initially booked Bellingham, with the referee eventually cancelling the Real Madrid midfielder's yellow card and showing Romero a booking instead.
Baena did not believe the challenge deserved a dismissal.
"I saw the Cuti incident, and I think both players were going in for the ball. I think this is the first time a yellow card has been rescinded.
"We know Cuti: he's a very aggressive player who goes all out for the ball. I don't think it warranted a red card; it was left at a yellow and I'm fine with that."
Alex Baena refused to put any blame on the referee. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
He also praised the referee for allowing the derby to maintain its rhythm.
"The referee lets the game flow quite a lot, which is great for the spectators. The match hasn't been stopped very often, and that benefits the flow of the game."
Oblak offered a slightly different assessment when asked about the Romero incident and Huijsen's penalty.
"The referee went back to review both incidents and made his decision. Against Villarreal , they blew the whistle against us ( Le Normand ), and I think this one was the same.
"Both were red cards; that's what they decided. They reviewed them, and there's nothing more to say."
It must be remembered that the VAR played a major role in the final outcome of the Madrid derby
While Real Madrid's players and media outlets have continued to question several decisions, Atletico players have largely backed the officials and insisted the focus should remain on their victory.
Source: AS
