Mourinho prefers the Bundesliga to the Clasico between Real and Barca

Shortly before the highly anticipated Clasico between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, Real coach Jose Mourinho made a surprising statement: Instead of following the Spanish referee debate, he watched the Bundesliga duel Leipzig against FC Bayern. At the same time both Spanish giants celebrated clear victories over the weekend – Barcelona 5-2 against fourth‑placed Betis and Real 4-1 against FC Sevilla.

Spanish matches and controversial decisions

Barcelona's spectacular 5-2 on Saturday was accompanied by a red card for Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal, provoked by 16‑year‑old Lamine Yamal. Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini reacted angrily and called the decision a "shame" as well as "incomprehensible and inexplicable decisions".

Real Madrid's 4-1 against Sevilla was also in the spotlight of the coverage because referee Ricardo de Burgos was repeatedly criticised. When a reporter asked Mourinho for his opinion on de Burgos, the Portuguese replied: "I didn't see it. No replay, no highlights, nothing. I watched Leipzig instead."

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Mourinho's focus on the Bundesliga

The Leipzig‑versus‑Bayern game ended 1-6 and took place simultaneously with Barcelona's win. Mourinho explained that he only wanted to focus on Sevilla, but his homework was already done. He emphasized that he works at the Valdebebas training centre alone or with an assistant to be able to concentrate well, and added: "That's not a joke, I really didn't see it."

Later Mourinho noted that the discussion about the Spanish referee controversy hadn't surprised him and laughed, adding: "Just another day at the office." He also pointed out that he would not comment on a controversial elbow strike by Arda Güler in the match against Sevilla, because there are no clear TV images.

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Ahead of the Clasico Mourinho stressed that he would "not waste a minute on our next league opponent before Wednesday at 11 p.m." Real sits after nine matchdays in third place, six points behind league leaders Barca, who are already set to face PSG in the Champions League weekend.