Atletico Madrid used their official social media accounts to blame VAR for their 3-1 derby defeat to Real Madrid - but manager Diego Simeone refused to
A fiery derby at the Wanda Metropolitano saw the visitors claim the spoils thanks to goals from Casemiro, Sergio Ramos' penalty and Gareth Bale's 100th goal for Los Blancos. But VAR was at the centre of several key decisions, with emotions spilling over after nine yellow cards and Thomas Partey's red card.
The result saw Los Blancos jump back above Atleti into second place in La Liga. But Atleti soon released three screen shots of the key moments of the game alongside an emoji, suggesting Real Madrid were fortunate.
The first was Vinicius Jr being taken out by Jose Gimenez, with some debate over whether the contact was outside the area or not. Whilst Alvaro Morata was narrowly adjudged to be offside by VAR after racing clear and finishing beautifully to briefly make it 2-2 before the decision was reversed.
And Casemiro appeared to handle under pressure from Morata in the box, but no penalty was awarded. But Diego Simeone refused to attribute the loss to VAR.
"Atletico Madrid lost because of a convincing opponent," he told Marca. "I don't usually speak about VAR and I believe it's something that will surely get better and make things more efficient for all.
"I can't see the replays like those working with VAR do, so I hope they were correct with the decisions.
"I definitely don't think we lost because of VAR. The opposition were better than us and more convincing. They had a very good game.
"So we congratulate them and prepare for the next one."
Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari hailed his side's commitment and desire to secure their maiden win at the Atletico's Wanda Metropolitano.
"Football is played with all the members of the team," Solari said.
"This team is fully committed to the shirt they wear, and they want to win every game and they are demonstrating that. They are competing very well.
"To get points at this stadium, against a very competent, very competitive and very strong team in all fields, but especially here at Wanda, the only way is doing a match like the one we did today."
Ramos, who has yet to miss from the penalty spot for Los Blancos in eight attempts in all competitions this season, believes the title race is not over yet.
"Today, in general, I thought we played a really good game," The Real captain added.
"The complete performance - from front to back and in attack and defence - we didn't give them much space, didn't give them any chances. It's a good result.
"We have achieved our objective, we came here to win here and get back into second.
"We haven't been there for a little while and to cut the gap on the leader (Barcelona). They have to play tomorrow, let's see what happens."
PA
