Mourinho hits out at Atletico gameplan

Jose Mourinho criticised Atletico Madrid’s physicality after seeing his Real Madrid team dodge some heavy tackles on their way to a 4-1 derby win.

Goals from Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain, together with two Cristiano Ronaldo penalties, helped Real come from behind to win comfortably at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Atletico had Thibaut Courtois and Diego Godin sent off in Saturday’s match, and Mourinho did not disguise his disapproval at what he perceived to be strong-arm tactics from Real’s cross-city rivals.

“My team wanted to win,” he said.

“My men didn’t want to play an ugly or rough game. We wanted to win. We played to win and won, despite a little bruising.”

“Luckily we had carbon fibre shin pads that work really well.”

“We did our job. We played with discipline and only received one yellow card in the entire 90 minutes. We remained calm, concentrated and didn’t react to anything.”

Courtois received his red card as early as the 22nd minute, after the on-loan goalkeeper brought down Real striker Karim Benzema inside the box.

The penalty allowed Ronaldo to equalise, and Mourinho backed the decision of referee Mateu Lahoz.

“The challenge on Benzema was worthy of a penalty and a red card,” he said.

“The goalkeeper had to decide either to tackle the player or concede an unstoppable goal.”

“I tell my keepers that I’d rather they concede a goal in these situations than give the opponent a penalty and therefore see a red card. Atletico’s goalkeeper decided to take a risk and the penalty was clear.”

The win sees Real move six points clear at the top of La Liga after Barcelona’s surprise 1-0 loss away to Getafe.

Mourinho’s team have now won 13 consecutive matches in all competitions, but the Portuguese coach knows the run will not last forever.

“My team played well,” he said.

“It (the performance) was ambitious and motivated. It was also emotionally controlled. We must now be patient and keep our focus. Our streak will eventually come to an end.”