VAR audio released from Madrid derby as Valverde incident is left out

The Spanish Football Federation’s refereeing technical committee has released the VAR conversations from the Madrid derby, covering the two incidents in which video technology intervened during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in La Liga’s seventh round.

The first review led to Jude Bellingham’s yellow card being overturned after officials established that the Real Madrid midfielder had played the ball first in the challenge.

Following the review, the referee said: “The Real Madrid player touches the ball. I will change the yellow card.”

VAR was also used to upgrade Dean Huijsen’s yellow card to a red after he was penalised for conceding a penalty involving Giuliano Simeone. The review focused on whether the goalkeeper was close enough to the ball to justify the original punishment.

After watching the incident again, the referee said: “The goalkeeper is not close enough to reach the ball. I will change the yellow card to a red.”

However, the committee did not publish any audio concerning Kang-in Lee’s challenge on Federico Valverde. The incident had attracted significant debate, but VAR did not intervene in that situation.

The published recordings therefore relate only to the two occasions when the video assistant referee was actively involved during the derby.

Valverde was injured during the match against Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid said in an official statement: “Following the tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical staff on our player Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with a heavy contusion to his left ankle, sustained during today’s match. Valverde will undergo further tests in the coming hours.”

The defeat was Real Madrid’s second of the season under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, following their loss against Real Betis.

Atletico Madrid’s victory moved them to 16 points and second place in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid remained third on 15 points.

Alex Grimaldo and Jonathan David scored Atletico Madrid’s goals, while Antonio Rudiger scored for Real Madrid.