Atlético fury revealed over Bellingham tackle on Correa, as forward will miss multiple weeks

Ángel Correa is set for a spell on the sidelines after the Atlético Madrid forward suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee following a Jude Bellingham challenge late in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Real Madrid.

A report in Marca on Monday details Atlético’s reaction to the tough tackle that took place in second-half stoppage time, with the result just about beyond doubt. Bellingham slid in aggressively as Correa attempted to play the ball, and the England international sent the World Cup winner flying after catching him along the right ankle.

Atlético are said to be incensed at referee Javier Alberola Rojas’ decision to show a yellow card to Bellingham instead of a red, and it’s certainly remarkable for the club to complain about a refereeing decision in a game that was regarded as well-officiated:

Atlético do not understand how the very tough action from Madrid’s number five did not end with his ejection. Diego Simeone asked for it on the bench, as did all the players of a team that demanded the Englishman not finish the game due to the damage he could have caused Correa.

Coincidentally or not, Sunday’s derby was the first since May 2022 in which an Atleti player was not sent off himself. However, José Giménez came close late in the first half when he cut down Rodrygo Goes on a counterattack, making no obvious effort to win the ball. This action was also shown a yellow card and nothing more.

Correa, who only entered the match in the 86th minute, did not seem to be too distressed as he joined his teammates in celebrating the derby victory — although his shorts were rolled up on his affected right leg. Correa will begin treatment as part of his recovery plan and will miss Atlético’s next game, away to Osasuna on Thursday night.

Simeone will be left with three forwards for the time being — Memphis Depay, Antoine Griezmann, and Álvaro Morata. Memphis just returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out for three weeks, while Griezmann played 180 minutes between the Champions League group stage draw at Lazio on Tuesday and El Derbi on Sunday. The 32-year-old is in need of a rest soon, and Correa is his natural substitute in the squad.