Barcelona’s 2-1 loss to Girona on the Montilivi pitch has seen Real Madrid seize the LaLiga summit, thanks to Barcelona’s defensive lapses and a controversial refereeing decision that left Koundé’s stamp unpunished. The result has left the Blaugranas’ boardroom and locker rooms in turmoil.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will travel to Lisbon for the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Benfica, with Kylian Mbappé back in the starting XI. The match is heightened by the return of José Mourinho, who is set to face his former club in a high‑profile showdown.