Watch: Valverde’s reaction to match referee after crunching Kang-in Lee tackle in Madrid derby

The aftermath of Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby has reignited debate over the refereeing decisions made during the match. The most contentious moment came when Atletico midfielder Kang-in Lee delivered a powerful tackle on Los Blancos captain Fede Valverde, causing the Real Madrid star to dramatically exit the pitch.

Valverde's immediate reaction to the challenge was captured on camera, with the footage showing him confronting the match referee and demanding an explanation for why Lee had not been punished. "Did you see it? Aren't you going to punish him?" Valverde could be heard asking the official. The severity of Valverde's injury was clear, with the Real Madrid captain suffering a grade-three sprain to his left ankle, which left him in severe pain and required several weeks of rehabilitation.

Given the extent of Valverde's injury, his swift return to his feet to confront the referee appeared to downplay the seriousness of the tackle. In hindsight, staying on the ground could have prompted a more thorough investigation by both the referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. By immediately standing up, Valverde may have inadvertently minimized the chances of a more comprehensive review of the incident.

The referee's decision to let Lee off with a free kick instead of a red card further fueled the controversy surrounding the match's refereeing. Atletico's Dean Huijsen was subsequently shown the red card later in the game, putting the Madrid side at a significant disadvantage. The episode has once again highlighted the ongoing issues with refereeing consistency and decision-making in La Liga, raising questions about whether improvements will be made in the months ahead.