Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has called for Real Madrid to "leave the referees in peace" as tensions mount ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated Madrid derby. The statement comes in response to Real Madrid's recent controversial open letter to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), where they accused officials of "manipulation and adulteration" following their 1-0 defeat to Espanyol last weekend.
"The best way is to leave referees in peace and that way they can do their job at their best possible level," Oblak told ESPN, emphasizing that officials should not be the focus of the upcoming match. "That is the most important thing for football, not just for the teams, for everyone. It's not the referees who will decide the game."
The sentiment was shared by Atlético defender José María Giménez, who expressed hope for a clean contest. "As players, we focus on our jobs," the Uruguay centre-back said to ESPN. "I hope that what has happened doesn't go beyond a statement and that no one feels affected or pressured. That we have a clean game, that there are no issues in the post-game and that the grey episodes are interpreted in the best possible way."
César Azpilicueta, the veteran Atlético defender, dismissed Real Madrid's refereeing concerns, maintaining a focus on performance rather than officiating. "When you step on the pitch you believe that everybody does their best that we can to get our job done," the former Chelsea captain told ESPN. "I don't think twice about it."
Atlético enters the derby in strong form, having just secured their place in the Copa del Rey semifinals with a commanding 5-0 victory over Getafe. They sit just one point behind Carlo Ancelotti's LaLiga leaders, with their Champions League campaign also still active.
The focus for Atlético's defensive unit will be containing Real Madrid's potent attack, particularly LaLiga's top scorer Kylian Mbappé. Defender Nahuel Molina emphasized the importance of collective effort, telling ESPN, "The only way to stop them is to work as a team, defensively and in attack. We know they have great players and not to concede a goal will be key."
Giménez acknowledged the challenge of facing Mbappé, noting, "Mbappé didn't start [life at Real Madrid] the way he wanted but he is already showing what type of player he is. They have an attacking line that competes very well, that is fast, have a lot of vision of play. We have to play a perfect game not to concede a goal."
Oblak concluded with a straightforward assessment of what it will take to succeed in the derby: "The key is simple, be good in defence, be good in attack. It's not always easy to do. The important thing is to keep a cold head, be aware of their danger."
With both teams in strong positions across multiple competitions, Azpilicueta remains cautiously optimistic about Atlético's prospects. "Until now, we are still in every competition, fighting," he said. "It's in our hands. Although in February you don't win any titles, you can lose them. Our job now is to be in contention for the last couple of weeks when everything can be decided when you get closer to the end. We believe we have the group and the team to make it happen."
