Sevilla FC faces a challenging period after heavy sanctions from the RFEF, with defender Marcao handed a six-match ban and coach Matías Almeyda suspended for one game. The penalties follow incidents during their clash with Real Madrid, leaving the club with key absences for upcoming matches.
Barcelona ended 2025 on a high with a 2–0 win at Villarreal, thanks to goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The victory, boosted by a red card for Villarreal, keeps Barça atop the La Liga table with a four-point lead over Real Madrid. The result caps a strong year and sets a confident tone for the new season.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta escalated tensions with Real Madrid, criticizing Florentino Perez and the club’s TV channel for spreading “constant” misinformation. Speaking at Barça’s pre-Christmas dinner, Laporta accused Real of envy and “acute Barcelonitis,” continuing the public feud between Spain’s football giants.