La Liga: Mourinho Blames Referees for Real Madrid’s Slip as Barca Open 5-Point Lead

Matchweek 7 in the Spanish La Liga was headlined by a fierce Madrid derby at the Metropolitano Stadium.

It turned out to be a feisty affair typical of the capital city clashes.

Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when defender Dean Huijsen was sent off after a VAR review for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the box.

The infraction resulted in a penalty, which was calmly slotted home by Alejandro Grimaldo to break the deadlock.

Atletico Madrid doubled their lead shortly after when Jonathan David poked home a low cross. Real Madrid set up a tense closing period when Antonio Rüdiger headed home in the 89th minute, but Atletico ultimately held on for a 2-1 victory.

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho later directed his fury at Spain’s refereeing committee, carrying printed photos of first-half challenges to his press conference to insist Atletico should have also seen two red cards.

The defeat means Real Madrid drop out of the top three into fourth position on the table, while Atletico Madrid climb to second.

Meanwhile, Barcelona sit comfortably six points clear at the summit after extending their perfect start to the season with a 3-1 away win at Sevilla on Saturday, thanks to a stunning Raphinha hat-trick.

In Sunday’s other action, Getafe earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Málaga CF to secure their second win of the campaign, while Deportivo La Coruña and Real Betis played out a 1-1 draw.

Elsewhere, Villarreal picked up a convincing 3-1 victory over Levante.

The final game of Matchweek 7 was a thrilling, high-scoring matchup between Valencia and Real Sociedad. The five-goal thriller ended with the away side edging out a 3-2 victory at the Mestalla. The loss confines Valencia to 19th position, just above Málaga, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.