{
  "id": 9496129,
  "title": "LaLiga: ‘It’s a disgrace’ – Atletico star, Romero says it’s impossible to play against Real Madrid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/laliga-its-a-disgrace-atletico-star-romero-says-its-impossible-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T05:35:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/24/laliga-its-a-disgrace-atletico-star-romero-says-its-impossible-to-play-against-real-madrid/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Atletico Madrid defender Cristian Romero has voiced his discontent following his team's first LaLiga clash against Real Madrid. The match concluded with a 2-1 triumph for the home side at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. Footage of the game showed Romero expressing his dissatisfaction, claiming that the referee's decisions were heavily in favor of Real Madrid, making it nearly impossible for Atletico to compete on an even footing. \"It’s impossible to play against Real Madrid because every decision goes their way. It’s a disgrace,\" Romero lamented. Despite the loss, Atleti's victory moved them to within one point of Real Madrid in the league standings, while Mourinho’s team fell to fourth place, one point behind Real Betis. Romero made his debut in a derby against Real Madrid after transferring to Atleti from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. The referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias received significant backlash from Real Madrid, especially for failing to send off Kang-In Lee for a dangerous tackle on Federico Valverde. Both Atleti and LaLiga have dismissed claims that the referee's decisions had a significant impact on the match's result. The controversy surrounding the referee's officiating has sparked criticism from both teams, with each pointing fingers at his performance.",
  "summary": "Atletico Madrid defender, Cristian Romero has expressed his dissatisfaction following his first LaLiga encounter with Real Madrid last weekend.Los Colchoneros secured a 2-1 victory over Jose Mourinho’s side at home. Footage captured Romero protesting the match officiating as both teams headed to their dressing rooms at half-time. The former Tottenham Hotspur defender expressed his disappointment,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Real Madrid defender Marc Cucurella reveals truth about Barcelona’s interest: ‘My agent received a few calls, but…’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/real-madrid-defender-marc-cucurella-reveals-truth-about-barcelonas",
        "published": "2026-09-24T06:20:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}