Cuti Romero’s halftime outburst fuels Real Madrid’s anger after Atlético win
Cuti Romero generated controversy after Atlético de Madrid’s 2‑1 victory over Real Madrid in the Madrid derby, with the Argentine defender’s halftime comment about the officiating becoming the story of the night.
Referee decision fuels the dispute
The controversy began in the first half when referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias chose not to send off the defender after an incident involving Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid argued that the decision altered the flow of the match and also questioned a separate challenge on Kang‑in Lee.
Romero’s remarks and the media storm
Cameras caught the player heading towards the dressing‑room tunnel, where he said, “It is impossible to play against the Madrid because they charge everything to them”, visibly angry at the officiating. The quote spread quickly, prompting reactions across Spanish media close to the Merengues. Later, José Mourinho appeared before the press with printed images of the disputed actions and declared, “They are two clear red cards”.
Mourinho argued that the expulsions would have changed the competitive scenario, a view that contrasted sharply with the central defender’s (ROMERO’s) halftime perspective.
Atlético secured the win thanks to goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David, while Antonio Rüdiger scored for the visitors, leaving the result accompanied by a cascade of statements that extended the derby’s impact beyond ninety minutes.
In the 2026/27 season, CUTI has made five official appearances for ATLÉTICO Madrid – four in LaLiga and one in the Champions League – totalling 355 minutes and one yellow card, the caution coming during the clash with Real Madrid.
His league debut came against Athletic Club with 31 minutes, followed by a full 90‑minute display versus Real Sociedad, 68 minutes against Osasuna and 89 minutes in the derby. He was omitted from the squads for Málaga and Villarreal and remained an unused substitute against Sevilla.
In European competition he logged 77 minutes against Liverpool. To date, the Argentine has not recorded a goal or an assist for the club.