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FBL-ESP-LIGA-ESPANYOL-REAL MADRIDAFP

Real Madrid trolled by city rivals Atletico ahead of derby day with IKEA-themed instructions in incendiary dig over 'pressuring referees'

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  • Atletico troll Real Madrid ahead of derby
  • Make reference to club 'pressuring referees'
  • Los Blancos filed complaint about officials
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Spanish giants go head to head at the Bernabeu this Saturday in a derby match between La Liga's top two teams, and Atletico have published a handy guide for their rivals.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Labelled "basic instructions for the derby", Atletico shared a checklist for the weekend clash in the format of IKEA instructions for building a piece of furniture, including "good physical preparation" and a "detailed analysis of the opponent". However, it ended with a dig at their neighbours by adding a fourth step: "Once again, use your TV channel to pressure the referee".

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    The fourth step is a reference to accusations Real Madrid TV have broadcast negative messages about referees in charge of some of their matches in an alleged attempt to put pressure on them. Meanwhile, Madrid recently filed an complaint calling for an overhaul of the refereeing system in La Liga after their controversial 1-0 loss against Espanyol last week.

  • FBL-EUR-C1-SALZBURG-ATLETICO MADRIDAFP

    WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

    Carlo Ancelotti's reigning champions sit top of La Liga heading into Saturday's game but hold a slender one-point lead over Diego Simeone's Atletico, meaning there is plenty riding on a mouth-watering on the upcoming derby.