Mourinho blames sleeping VAR after Real Madrid’s El Clásico win
The decisive flashpoint came at minute 60 when Joao Cancelo’s strong tackle on Diomande was not punished, prompting José Mourinho to explode, accusing the VAR of “sleeping” as Real Madrid secured a high‑impact win in the El Clásico. The Portuguese strategist warned the missed red could have altered the match’s course.
VAR controversy
Mourinho praised the main referee’s performance but directed his fury at the video‑assistant team, saying the VAR “fell asleep” on a clear red‑card situation. He insisted that Cancelo’s challenge deserved an immediate dismissal, a decision he believes could have changed the outcome.
In LaLiga’s Jornada 10, Real Madrid travelled to Camp Nou and emerged victorious, with Mbappé netting a brace to seal the win. The Portuguese side’s organization under pressure impressed Mourinho, who noted that his players kept composure when the score was levelled early in the second half. The result ends Barcelona’s unbeaten run and thrusts the Merengues into a direct battle for the league summit.
After the match, Mourinho lauded his squad’s bravery, organisation and ability to react swiftly to the Barcelona onslaught. He highlighted the team’s calmness during the temporary equaliser and praised the collective effort that secured the three points.
Mbappé drives Real Madrid to a Clasico win
The manager also spoke about the squad’s versatility, explaining that tactical tweaks are necessary to cope with internal competition and the physical demands of top‑level tournaments. He underscored that such adaptability is vital for sustaining success across the season.
Result and implications
The win positions Real Madrid firmly in the chase for LaLiga’s top spot, narrowing the gap to the league leaders. Mourinho warned that a single triumph at the Barça fortress will mean little without consistency in the forthcoming fixtures. He stressed that maintaining high standards will be essential to convert this victory into a title challenge.
In closing, Mourinho insisted that the team must build on the Camp Nou success and avoid complacency, emphasizing that the battle for the championship is far from over.