Dani Ceballos aims brutal Champions League dig at Diego Simeone in response to Atletico Madrid manager's suggestion that Real Madrid benefit from refereeing bias in Spain

Real Madrid have been involved in a lot of controversy regarding refereeing decisions in Spanish football over the last few years. In the 2023-24 campaign, the 15-time Champions League winners were accused of 'cheating' Almeria out of what could have been their first win of the season, and the club have also often been called out for their perceived attempts to pressure referees by posting criticism on Real Madrid TV.

Earlier this week, Real Madrid opened the scoring against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey round of 16 in controversial circumstances after referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero and the VAR officials decided not to award the visitors a spot kick, despite Andriy Lunin appearing to trip Williot Swedberg in the box. Atletico Madrid boss Simeone later suggested that Real Madrid always benefit from refereeing bias in Spain, which prompted Ceballos to aim a Champions League dig towards the Argentine coach.

When questioned by the media regarding Simeone's comments, Ceballos responded: "I think Cholo (Simeone) has not gotten over the two finals he lost to Real Madrid. They have their opinion; we must continue to work and enjoy the victory."

Real beat Atletico in both the 2013-14 and 2015-16 Champions League finals, and Ceballos' cheeky reminder of those matches will no doubt have gone down like a lead balloon with Simeone. Both clubs are due back in Champions League action with week, with Atletico set to host Bayer Leverkusen and Real welcoming RB Salzburg to Santiago Bernabeu.