Cristian Romero Declares Madrid is Red and White After Atletico Victory
Cristian Romero planted the Atletico Madrid flag firmly in enemy territory after the derby, declaring “Madrid is red and white” as the fallout from a stormy 2-1 win over Real Madrid rumbled on.
The defender, at the heart of both the victory and the controversy, chose defiance over diplomacy. On Instagram he wrote: “Pride, effort, and a very big heart for this team.. Madrid is red and white. Atletico Madrid forward always.”
No mention of doubt. No hint of apology.
Romero then went straight for the narrative he believes is forming around the game, urging fans to ignore the noise around the referee.
“Don’t let anyone try to divert attention, the three points were completely deserved,” he posted, framing Atletico’s win as a product of work and character, not officiating.
That stance will infuriate the other half of the city.
Because the flashpoint of the night wore his number.
Midway through the first half, Romero launched into a heavy challenge on Jude Bellingham, catching the Real Madrid star on the knee and sending a jolt through the stadium. It was the kind of tackle that splits opinion instantly: full-blooded commitment for some, reckless endangerment for others.
The referee reached for yellow in the 38th minute. Not red. Not even a long VAR pause.
From there, the game carried a different edge. Every Romero touch, every Bellingham movement, drew a sharper reaction. The tension never really left.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho did not bother to hide his anger when he faced the media afterwards. He was clear: Romero should have been off.
Mourinho argued that the defender’s challenge on Bellingham warranted a straight red card, describing it as a strong tackle on the midfielder’s knee that crossed the line. He did not stop there. The Real coach also claimed Kang-in Lee should have been sent off for a challenge on Fede Valverde’s ankle, pointing to what he saw as a pattern of leniency from the officials.
Two big decisions, in Mourinho’s eyes. Two that went the wrong way.
Atletico, though, walk away with the points and with one of their leaders doubling down in public. Romero’s message is unmistakable: this derby belongs, at least for now, to the red and white side of Madrid — and no refereeing debate is going to change that.
