'Difficult days for the football community' - Real Madrid trolled again as Atletico Madrid show 'support and solidarity' to referees ahead of derby against La Liga leaders

After Madrid filed a formal complaint to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over the officiating in their 1-0 La Liga loss to Espanyol, they have been widely criticised for going too far. Ahead of hosting neighbours Atletico at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night, their rivals have poked fun at Carlo Ancelotti's side on social media, saying these are "Very difficult days for the football community."

The tweet reads: "We want to express our full support and solidarity to the entire team of referees, their families and friends. These are very difficult days for the football community. Stay strong."

This is a huge game at the top of La Liga. A win for Madrid will take them four points clear but if Diego Simeone's side emerge triumphant, they will leapfrog Los Blancos into top spot by two points. The stakes could not be much higher, but Atletico have chosen to try and rile up their opponents before kick-off.

After this match, Madrid travel to Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, whereas Atletico are next in action on February 15 at home to Celta Vigo in La Liga.