‘VAR was sleeping in 60th minute,’ says Mourinho after Cancelo escapes booking for foul on Diomande during El Clasico

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho criticized the Video Assistant Referee for failing to penalize Barcelona's Joao Cancelo during Sunday's El Clasico. Mourinho claimed VAR was sleeping in the 60th minute when Cancelo escaped punishment for a challenge on Yan Diomande, which the Portuguese coach argued warranted a red card. Despite the controversy, Real Madrid secured a victory at Camp Nou to end Barcelona's perfect start to the La Liga campaign.

Kylian Mbappe scored a match-winning brace for Real Madrid, while Raphinha scored for Barcelona as Madrid narrowed the gap behind the league leaders to three points. Mourinho praised his squad's tactical execution and courage, highlighting how midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham attacked open spaces against Barcelona's defense. The manager emphasized that the club's ultimate focus remains on winning the league championship rather than celebrating a single victory.