Real Madrid face Spanish media backlash after derby defeat by Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid have come under heavy criticism in the Spanish media after losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with the defeat raising fresh questions about the team’s direction under Jose Mourinho.

The result came in the seventh round of La Liga and left Real Madrid fourth in the table, six points behind Barcelona. Several analysts said the derby had exposed technical and tactical problems that have affected the side for some time.

Mourinho said after the match that he was not disappointed with his players and believed they had given everything. Instead, he directed his criticism towards the refereeing decisions.

However, much of the reaction in Spain focused on Real Madrid’s performance. On the El Chiringuito programme, Fran Garrido said the team had lacked clear ideas and confidence. He also questioned why Carlos Espai had not been used despite Real Madrid having an extra substitution available, while strongly criticising the way Atletico scored their second goal.

“There are players who have no place at Real Madrid,” Garrido said.

Discussing the goal, he added: “They were all badly positioned. This team is a defensive disaster.”

Garrido also described the six-point gap to Barcelona so early in the season as a worrying situation for Real Madrid.

Criticism extends beyond derby defeat

Speaking on Cadena SER, Alvaro Benito argued that Real Madrid’s difficulties could not be blamed on one match and had been evident for a considerable period.

“If we have been seeing essentially the same problems on the pitch for more than two years, then the problem is much deeper,” he said. “We are seeing exactly the same problems. Different players, but the same scenario.”

Tomas Roncero focused on Real Madrid’s continuing struggles in derby matches. In his view, the team had failed to produce the expected response when matches became difficult.

“Mourinho was our last lifeline, and if that lifeline lets us down, this has already been going on for two years,” Roncero said.

The criticism also extended to Mourinho’s team selection and the performances of some of Real Madrid’s leading players. Vinicius Junior was substituted in the 54th minute, after Dean Huijsen had been sent off.

Roncero called for Yan Diomande to be given a starting place and suggested that Vinicius should begin the next match on the bench. He also said Real Madrid needed to move away from relying on individual star power.

“I want us to set aside our arrogance,” Roncero said. “The star is Bellingham.”

Javi Herraez, speaking on SER radio, also questioned Kylian Mbappe’s display in the derby.

“I cannot understand Mbappe’s performance,” he said. “He should at least have run.”

The reaction to Real Madrid’s defeat has therefore gone beyond the result itself, prompting a wider debate in the Spanish media about the team’s performances, Mourinho’s decisions and the form of several key players. After seven rounds, Real Madrid are now six points behind Barcelona.