Simeone Comments on Referee’s Performance After Controversial Penalty in Atletico-Real Madrid Match

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone shared his thoughts on referee Cesar Soto Grado’s performance during the 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the 23rd round of La Liga.

In the 35th minute, Soto Grado awarded a penalty to Atletico Madrid for a foul by Aurelien Tchouameni on Samuel Lino. Julian Alvarez successfully converted the spot-kick.

The 54-year-old Argentine manager stated that the referee officiated the match “in the best possible way, relying on his criteria and decisions in key moments.”

Simeone added, “There was a similar penalty in the Athletic Bilbao and Girona match. The referee faced a comparable situation and was also called to the monitor.”

Following this match, Real Madrid leads the league table with 50 points, while Atletico Madrid is in second place with 49 points. Barcelona, with a game in hand, sits in third place with 45 points.