Top 5⃣ stories today: 🥐 Madrid derby, racism row and a Seville derby

The month of March and the week kick off with a day full of news and matches, including Real Madrid vs Getafe...

So let's go over the five news stories you can't miss today...

Madrid Derby Day

📸 THOMAS COEX - AFP or licensors

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Real Madrid and Getafe meet this Monday at 21:00, since there is no Copa del Rey, in a key derby for Los Blancos as they pursue Barcelona, and crucial for Los Azulones as they look to keep escaping relegation after Mallorca, Alavés, Elche, and Rayo Vallecano all slipped up.

For the match, Thiago Pitarch, a young player from Real Madrid’s academy, could make his debut as a starter, possibly replacing Camavinga, who is suffering from a dental issue.

Comeback Spirit?

📸 Alex Caparros - 2026 Getty Images

Football Club Barcelona is already dreaming of overturning the tie against Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals. After the 4-0 first-leg win for the Rojiblancos, in Barcelona they have decided to believe.

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To that end, they are invoking the spirit of the comeback against PSG, even featuring an interview with Sergi Roberto in Diario SPORT, the hero of that day.

An Evenly Matched Seville Derby

📸 Fran Santiago - 2026 Getty Images

A half for each team, tension and goals—that's what the Seville derby at La Cartuja left us with, an exciting Betis-Sevilla clash.

The Verdiblancos went ahead 2-0 in the first half with goals from Antony and Fidalgo, but in the second half Pellegrini’s men fell apart, Almeyda’s side grew stronger, and they finally drew 2-2.

Rafa Mir to El Hilali: "You came here on a raft"

📸 Aitor Alcalde - 2026 Getty Images

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The Moroccan right-back from Espanyol reported to the referee during the Elche 2-2 Espanyol match that Rafa Mir had told him: "You came here on a raft."

The 'anti-racism' protocol was activated, but only lasted a few minutes, the match continued, and Rafa Mir, just minutes after saying that to the 'Perico', scored the 2-2 equalizer from the penalty spot. Actions from La Liga are expected.

Goals in La Liga and Thrillers Across Europe

📸 ADRIAN DENNIS - AFP or licensors

In the other two La Liga matches this Sunday, Valencia beat Osasuna 1-0 with a penalty goal from Ramazani, and Celta came from behind against Girona to take all three points (1-2). Today the matchday wraps up with Real Madrid vs Getafe.

📸 Alex Caparros - 2026 Getty Images

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Meanwhile, in England, Arsenal won their own London derby against Chelsea (2-1) to keep pulling away from Manchester City. Elsewhere, Tottenham lost to Fulham (2-1), Brighton beat Forest (2-1), and Manchester United did their job by defeating Crystal Palace, also 2-1.

📸 DARREN STAPLES - AFP or licensors

On the other hand, in Italy, Roma and Juventus tied in a great match (3-3), Milan beat Cremonese (0-2), Sassuolo defeated Atalanta (2-1), and Torino finished off Lazio (2-0).

📸 Francesco Scaccianoce - 2026 Getty Images

Meanwhile, in Germany, few surprises. RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Stuttgart all did their job.

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And finally, in France, Olympique de Marseille's 3-2 win over Olympique de Lyon stands out, putting Marseille just two points behind Lyon in the fight for the third spot that gives direct access to the Champions League league phase.

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