Jose Mourinho praises Real Madrid players and blasts referee after derby loss at Atletico

Jose Mourinho praised his players despite Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.

The Portuguese manager said the players showed 'great class and character' and directed his anger at the referee for making key errors.

Mourinho was furious that Atletico defender Cristian Romero was not handed a red card for a stamp on Jude Bellingham in the first half.

He also complained Lee Kang-in was not sent off for his challenge on Federico Valverde .

In his post-match press conference, Mourinho said : "Those were two clear red cards.

Given the difficulties we faced afterwards playing 11 against 10, we can only imagine what 50 minutes of 11 against nine would have been like.