“Been there for 100 years” – Diego Simeone BRUTALLY calls out Real Madrid in 5-2 over Celta Vigo

Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone called out the poor officiating standards while speaking on Real Madrid's controversial win over Celta Vigo.

“Been there for 100 years” – Diego Simeone BRUTALLY calls out Real Madrid in 5-2 over Celta Vigo

Diego Simeone raised questions on the poor officiating standards during Real Madrid's 5-2 win over Celta Vigo. (via The Premier News)

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone aimed a brutal jibe at city-rivals Real Madrid following the club’s controversial Copa del Rey victory over Celta Vigo. He questioned the referee’s biased attitude throughout the match, in which Real Madrid triumphed 5-2.

Real Madrid cruised their way through to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with an impressive 5-2 victory over Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu. The two sides were part of an intense encounter, which continued for 120 minutes. Brazilian starlet Endrick scored an extra-time brace. Meanwhile, midfielder Federico Valverde scored a screamer to secure a hard-earned victory for Los Blancos. 

YouTube video

However, the match was not bereft of controversy. Kylian Mbappe‘s 37th-minute opener came in a highly questionable circumstance. Celta Vigo were denied a clear penalty by the referee in the same run of play. It was for a challenge on Williot Swedberg by Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin. Later in the game, Celta Vigo’s Marcos Alonso did score a penalty in the 90th minute, awarded for Raul Asencio’s foul inside the box. 

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This subject was put forward as a question for Diego Simeone, who has remained critical of refereeing standards in Spain. He took a more-than-subtle dig by stating that such incidents are not surprises, as they happen often during matches against Real Madrid. He added on by claiming that poor refereeing calls against smaller teams have been there for 100 years, making it difficult for them to compete. 

I didn’t watch yesterday’s match, to be honest. I was told about incidents during the game, but they’ve been happening for a hundred years, so I don’t know what surprises you.

Diego Simeone to reporters (H/T Bein Sports)

Back in 2023, the Atletico Madrid boss had labelled referees as ‘paralysed’ for their poor officiating during Real Madrid’s match against Almeria. Nonetheless, Atletico Madrid themselves made it to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. They secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Elche. 

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Diego Simeone dealt injury blow ahead of Atletico Madrid’s return to the Champions League 

La Liga table toppers Atletico Madrid have been dealt a major injury blow. It comes just days ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League. Forward Alexander Sorloth has been ruled out for a week after sustaining an injury against Elche in the Copa del Rey. 

Diego Simeone Alexander Sorloth injury
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simone has received a major setback following forward Alexander Sorloth’s injury. (via ESPN)

The Norwegian striker scored twice during the club’s 4-0 victory over Elche. He was substituted off at half-time after picking up a knock. The injury has been described as ‘moderate’. However, it is expected to keep him out of action for the club’s next two matches. They next face Leganes, followed by the crucial UCL encounter against Leverkusen.

Sorloth has been crucial as a super substitute for Atletico this season, scoring 10 goals in 27 matches. Meanwhile, the club most recently expressed its intent in signing Villarreal winger Alex Baena during the January transfer window.