The Madrid Derby, a clash between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, is one of the most intense rivalries in football. Over the years, the fixture has seen plenty of drama, controversial decisions, and, more recently, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) controversies. Fans from both sides have debated questionable refereeing calls that have influenced the outcome of key matches.
In this article, we look at some of the most controversial moments in the history of the Madrid Derby, from disputed penalties to VAR decisions that left fans furious.
1. The 2016 Champions League Final – Offside Goal & Penalty Drama
One of the most controversial Madrid Derby moments came in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final. Real Madrid took the lead through Sergio Ramos, but replays showed he may have been offside when he scored. The goal stood, sparking outrage among Atlético fans.
Later in the game, Atlético Madrid had a chance to equalize through a penalty awarded for a foul on Fernando Torres. However, Antoine Griezmann hit the crossbar, and Los Rojiblancos missed a crucial opportunity.
Real Madrid eventually won the final on penalties, securing their 11th Champions League title, but Atlético fans still argue that Ramos’ goal should have been disallowed.
2. The 2022 Copa del Rey Clash – VAR Controversy Over Ceballos Foul
In the 2022 Copa del Rey quarter-final, Atlético Madrid took the lead, but the match turned controversial when Dani Ceballos escaped a second yellow card after a foul on an Atlético player. Minutes later, Stefan Savić was sent off, leaving Atlético Madrid a man down.
VAR was not used to review the Ceballos incident, leading to accusations of refereeing bias in favor of Real Madrid. With the extra man advantage, Los Blancos made a comeback and won 3-1 after extra time, knocking Atlético out of the competition.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Disallowed Goal (2017 La Liga Clash)
The 2017 La Liga encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu saw another moment of controversy. Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had scored, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
However, replays suggested that Ronaldo was onside, leading to heated debates about whether the referee had made a mistake. The match ended 1-1, with Griezmann scoring a late equalizer for Atlético.
If VAR had been in place at the time, Ronaldo’s goal might have stood, changing the outcome of the title race that season.
4. The 2019 Madrid Derby – Morata’s Disallowed Penalty Claim
In the 2019 La Liga derby, former Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata, then playing for Atlético, was denied a penalty after a challenge by Casemiro.
Despite VAR being available, the referee did not award the penalty, sparking protests from Atlético players and fans. To make matters worse, Real Madrid went on to win the game 3-1, leaving Atlético furious with the officiating decisions.
5. The 2023 Madrid Derby – Controversial Red Card for Ángel Correa
In a 2023 La Liga meeting, Ángel Correa was sent off for elbowing Antonio Rüdiger, a decision that sparked huge controversy. Atlético Madrid players protested, claiming the contact was minimal and did not warrant a straight red card.
Real Madrid later equalized in the dying minutes, and the match ended 1-1. Atlético felt robbed, arguing that the referee had been too quick to make a decisive call without properly reviewing the incident.
