Real Madrid’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid has been compounded by an injury concern involving midfielder Federico Valverde.
The Uruguay international finished Sunday’s Madrid derby despite suffering what the club described as severe trauma to his left ankle. Real Madrid confirmed that Valverde will undergo further medical examinations to determine the full extent of the injury.
Valverde was involved in one of the major talking points of the fiercely contested encounter after Atletico midfielder Lee Kang-in caught him on the left ankle with a challenge shortly before half-time.
Real Madrid were unhappy that the incident did not result in a red card, with manager Jose Mourinho later highlighting the challenge during his post-match press conference. The club also criticised the decision-making of referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias.
The injury concern came on a difficult night for Mourinho’s side, who surrendered the Madrid derby after Dean Huijsen was sent off early in the second half.
Huijsen was initially shown a yellow card after bringing down Giuliano Simeone inside the area, but the decision was upgraded to a red following a VAR review. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the resulting penalty to put Atletico ahead.
Jonathan David then doubled Atletico’s advantage in the 59th minute, finishing a low cross from Simeone to give the hosts control of the contest.
Real Madrid pulled one back late when Antonio Rüdiger headed home from a Bernardo Silva set-piece delivery, but Atletico held on to secure all three points.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid five points behind Atletico and six adrift of leaders Barcelona after seven league matches. Atletico climbed to second place following the derby victory.
For Madrid, attention now turns to Valverde’s medical assessment, with the club awaiting further information on how long the midfielder could be unavailable.
Alternative catchy headlines
- Real Madrid Left Reeling as Derby Defeat Brings Valverde Injury Blow
- One Derby, Two Problems: Real Madrid Lose to Atletico and Fear Valverde Injury
- **Real Madrid’s Bad Night Gets Worse
