Rodri reacts to Real Madrid’s referee complaints and gives his verdict on Madrid derby

Sunday's La Liga action saw Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a feisty derby that ensured Barcelona sit six points clear of Los Blancos at the top of the table going into the international break.

The aftermath of the game saw Real Madrid TV launch a fresh attack on match officials, while manager Jose Mourinho also criticised the referee after the game.

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Rodri has been asked for his thoughts on the match and offered up the following response in an interview with Cadena Cope.

"From a footballing perspective, it was an even match. I think Atlético Madrid was better, more present on the pitch, made better decisions, controlled the game, and I think they deserved the victory. And then there were actions in the match that could have been handled differently; I don't think anyone denies that.

"Cuti's action is a bit more difficult because I don't know if he could have moved his foot or not. And perhaps in Kang-in's case, which I don't think he did intentionally, a red card could have been shown.

"Beyond that, I prefer to analyze the match from a purely footballing standpoint. I think referees can sometimes make mistakes, but I don't believe they have a lasting impact over a 38-game league season."

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Rodri was then quizzed on referees as well as suggestions the league was rigged in favor of Barcelona and had a pretty strong response.

"I think that hurts football. I think we have to try to avoid that kind of talk. I think football is more important than that. We're all human, and we all make mistakes," he added.

"Some days you're good, some days you're bad, and sometimes things go against you, and sometimes they don't. I like to think that way. It's fine to defend your club and your position—in fact, I've done it a few times—but only up to a point. I don't believe in that kind of talk."

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