5⃣ stories of the day: Barça in controversy, Xabi-Vini, Bordalás hits out

Key Highlights

• And in the midst of it all, the controversy complained about by Marcelino García Toral: "The sending-off may be fair, but yesterday I saw more dangerous tackles than these that were only given a yellow.
• We must avoid that kind of excessively intense action.
• Some referees call it one way, others another."AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEven so, great performances from Joan García, Eric García, and also Lamine, who led Flick's side to victory and to the break as winter champions. Atlético de Madrid, Elche, and Betis smile📸 MANAURE QUINTERO - AFP or licensorsThe rojiblancos opened Sunday’s matchday with a 3-0 win in Girona, with Koke, Gallagher, and Griezmann shining.
• Simeone’s men temporarily move ahead of Villarreal, who have two games in hand, and remain nine points off the top. Elche put on a show against Rayo Vallecano and capped off a spectacular 2025 for Éder Sarabia’s side, who go into the break in 9th place and close to the European spots. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBetis ended the day with a thrashing of Getafe.
• Bordalás’s side were unrecognizable and Pellegrini’s men steamrolled to a 4-0 win with Aitor Ruibal, Antony, Fornals, and Cucho Hernández shining.