Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the La Liga Madrid derby, with Jose Mourinho pointing towards controversial refereeing decisions as a major factor behind the loss.

The biggest turning point came early in the second half when Dean Huijsen was sent off, leaving Real Madrid with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Atletico were awarded a penalty following the incident, with Alejandro Grimaldo converting from the spot to put the hosts ahead. Jonathan David then doubled Atletico’s advantage before Antonio Rudiger pulled one back late in the game.

ALSO READ: Vini Jr Breaks Silence With Message To Fans After Missed Chances And Struggles For Real Madrid

Mourinho On Dean Huijsen Red Card

Huijsen’s dismissal came after he brought down Giuliano Simeone, with VAR advising referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias to review the incident. The referee subsequently upgraded the initial yellow card to a red.

Mourinho admitted that he had not personally seen the Huijsen incident clearly enough to make a definitive judgment. However, he highlighted the impact of playing with 10 men after the break.

"The difficulties we've faced since the sending-off. 11 against 10. Well, we can imagine what 50 minutes of 11 against 9 would have been like if justice had been done," Mourinho said.

The Real Madrid boss was referring to two first-half incidents involving Atletico players that he believed should have resulted in red cards. Mourinho held up images of the challenges during his press conference and said: "Those were two clear red cards."

Mourinho Blasts Refereeing Decisions

Mourinho was particularly critical of the appointment of referee Ortiz Arias and VAR official Trujillo Suarez.

"They've put a referee, aged 41, with no international experience - it's certainly not because he's a great referee," Mourinho said, while also claiming the referee struggled to cope with the pressure of the derby.

The Portuguese also questioned why VAR intervened for Huijsen's red card but, in his view, did not intervene for the earlier incidents involving Atletico players.

‘I Have To Limit Myself To Hugging My Players’

Despite the defeat, Mourinho praised his players for their performance, particularly in the opening half.

"I have to limit myself to hugging my players, who gave everything," he said. "They played a first half of great quality, of great personality."

ALSO READ: WATCH: Lionel Messi Creates Record As Inter Miami Crowned Campeones Cup Champions

Mourinho also urged Real Madrid to be allowed to compete on what he described as a level playing field.

"If they just leave us in peace and let us compete on a level playing field with everyone else, we've still got a long way to go," he said.

Mourinho made it clear that he viewed the Huijsen red card and the earlier refereeing decisions as central moments in a fiercely contested Madrid derby.