Overview
- Barcelona beat Real Betis 5-2 on Saturday to reach nine wins from nine La Liga games, equalling the club’s best start since 1968–69.
- Real Madrid followed with a 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday in a match that featured a spectacular opener from Arda Güler, a Kylian Mbappé brace, and a goal and assist from Yan Diomande.
- Sevilla demanded a red card after Güler appeared to elbow their player but the referee did not send him off and VAR did not intervene, prompting sustained criticism from players, pundits, and parts of the press.
- Sections of the Bernabéu crowd displayed banners attacking LaLiga president Javier Tebas and Catalan media accused Real of benefiting from officials, escalating an ongoing institutional dispute over refereeing.
- Both clubs play Champions League ties midweek — Barcelona at PSG and Real at RB Leipzig — before the Clasico next Sunday, which will be shaped by fitness, Vinícius Júnior’s suspension, Mourinho’s tactical choices, and unresolved officiating questions.