Overview
- Real Madrid, which beat Atlético 3–2 on Sunday at the Bernabéu, stayed four points behind Barcelona after a Vinicius Jr brace and a 77th‑minute red card for Federico Valverde.
- Coach Álvaro Arbeloa said he did not understand referee José Luis Munuera Montero’s decisions, and Real Madrid TV called Valverde’s dismissal a scandal in a sign of deep mistrust of Spanish officiating.
- Kylian Mbappé returned for roughly 25 minutes and drew sharp reviews in Spain, with AS, El Chiringuito and Carrusel Deportivo faulting his work rate as Arbeloa defended a cautious reintroduction after a knee issue.
- Speaking in Paris on Monday, Mbappé said his left knee is behind him, insisted he is ready to play for France in the United States, and rejected alarmist reports about his condition.
- New commentary from RMC’s Daniel Riolo alleged a Real diagnostic error on Mbappé’s knee, a claim not corroborated by independent reporting, as attention now shifts to France friendlies and Real’s coming Champions League quarterfinals.