Alaves will face Atletico Madrid on October 10 with Cuti Romero and Kang-in Lee available, despite controversy over their challenges in the recent Madrid derby. Referee Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias did not send off either player for tackles on Real Madrid players, a decision that has sparked debate and now benefits the visiting side ahead of the match at Mendizorroza.
The fixture, scheduled for 16:15 on Saturday after the international break, presents a significant challenge for an Alaves side sitting sixth in La Liga with 11 points. Facing second-placed Atletico adds to the difficulty of a key match for maintaining the team's positive home form, which includes two wins in their last five games.
The tackles that ignited controversy
The debate centres on two specific incidents from last weekend. In the first half, Cuti Romero went in studs-up on Jude Bellingham's knee. After a VAR review, Ortiz Arias upheld the initial yellow card. Minutes later, Kang-in Lee was late into a challenge, striking Fede Valverde's shin with his studs in a reckless action that drew no disciplinary card.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho was unequivocal in his post-match assessment. "They are two clear red cards," the Portuguese stated in a press conference, even displaying photographs of the incidents. The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) later conducted a self-critique of Ortiz Arias's performance, and several the official could face a two-match suspension.
Atletico's response and the cost for Alaves
In response to the criticism, Atletico Madrid launched a social media campaign with the slogan "Stop referee harassment now". The posting of a nine-second video and an ironic message about the schedule outlined the club's stance in defence of the officiating. This position, however, leaves Alaves at a disadvantage. Both Romero and Lee are regular starters and key pieces in Diego Simeone's system this season. Their absence through suspension would have been a notable tactical advantage for the Vitoria-based side.
The Basque club, coming off a goalless draw at San Mamés, needs points to stay in the upper half of the table. A look at the standings shows their proximity to European spots, but also the demanding nature of the immediate schedule. Facing a full-strength Atletico with all their weapons available complicates that objective. Striker Luis Boyé, the team's top scorer with four goals, will be one of the main hopes to find the net against a defence that will not be weakened.
The referee appointed to officiate the match at Mendizorroza will be Miguel Ángel Ortiz Arias. His performance will be under even greater scrutiny following the events of the last matchday. For Alaves, preparation continues with eyes fixed on October 10, a date already marked on the fixtures calendar.
More detail at Diario de Noticias de Álava
