Real Madrid midfield concerns resurface after derby defeat

A 2-1 loss at Atlético has reignited familiar worries about control in midfield and the team's football.

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What happened. Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat at Atlético Madrid on Sunday left José Mourinho's side fourth in La Liga after seven matches, six points behind leaders Barcelona. The result reignited the club's dispute with Spanish referees while also surfacing renewed concern inside the club about the team's football.

• Dean Huijsen conceded a penalty for fouling Giuliano Simeone and was sent off.
• Mourinho argued two Atlético challenges should also have produced red cards.
• Club sources cited a lack of control in midfield echoing last season's struggles.

“nothing had changed”

— a source close to a first-teamer

Mourinho and his staff have the international break to respond, with sources close to the coach confident Madrid can close the gap on Barcelona.

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