Mourinho's gang

Real Madrid won at Camp Nou in a tight Clásico; Mourinho criticized the VAR official post-match while his staff repeatedly protested refereeing decisions.

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona at Camp Nou in a competitive Clásico where either side could have won. The match was largely controversy-free, with VAR not needing to intervene. However, José Mourinho criticized VAR official Iglesias Villanueva in his post-match press conference, claiming he was asleep for not acting on Cancelo's stamp on Diomandé that could have resulted in a red card. Mourinho made no comment about identical fouls by Camavinga on Rodrigo or Tchouámeni on Xavi Espart, the latter causing an ankle sprain without even a yellow card.

The article highlights what it describes as cynical conduct from Real Madrid's technical area. After being warned by referee Martínez Munuera in the 10th minute, Mourinho remained seated but his staff—including assistants Pedro Machado and Antonio Dias in their distinctive green tracksuits—repeatedly emerged to protest decisions and pressure the fourth official José Palomares and linesman Diego Barbero. Delegate Chendo and substitute Carreras also occupied the technical area throughout the match.

On the pitch, Barcelona players including Huijsen, Cucurella, Bellingham and Mbappé protested with exaggerated gestures throughout. Only two Real Madrid players received yellow cards, both in stoppage time for protesting the referee's decisions.