Jose Mourinho praised Real Madrid’s performance, team spirit and composure after his side beat Barcelona in El Clasico at Camp Nou. He described the match as a high quality contest and said his players deserved the victory.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including an 87th minute winner, to secure the win. Barcelona had hoped to set a new record for consecutive victories at the start of a Spanish top flight season. However, Hansi Flick’s side failed to beat the mark of nine straight wins set by Real Madrid in the 1968 to 1969 campaign.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Mourinho praised his players for their organisation, focus and bravery against Barcelona’s high press.
“It was a great match, high-level, which surely the world of football lovers stopped to watch and were not disappointed, with two teams playing to win. In our case, it’s more appropriate for me to talk about my players than the others. The boys played an extraordinary game, very organized, very focused, and with a lot of courage to play out from the back against an opponent that presses a lot. We had good chances to make it 0-2 at the end of the first half.”
He also highlighted the team’s response after Barcelona fought back in the second half. Mourinho said Real Madrid stayed calm even after Raphinha levelled the score, before Mbappe struck late to settle the contest.
“At the start of the second half, we had a situation with Jude and Kylian, in a two-against-one. Obviously, Barcelona had a strong reaction in the second half, but we always maintained calm and organization. At 1-1, we never lost our composure. For me, this is a great victory for the boys against a great opponent, with a referee who I think had a very good game, and a VAR that was asleep in the 60th minute with a decision that, surely, could have had a big influence on the match, which was a clear red card for Joao (Cancelo) against Diomande. Great match, great victory, and the boys deserve it.”
Mourinho Warns Real Madrid Must Keep Their Focus
Mourinho was also asked whether the result could prove a turning point in Real Madrid’s campaign. He explained that the victory mattered because of both the result and the way his side earned it.
He noted that a defeat could have left Real Madrid three, six or nine points behind their rivals. In his view, a larger gap would have created a greater psychological challenge, while the manner of the victory gave his players extra confidence.
“This match was one where we could leave trailing by three, six, or nine points. Obviously, if you fall behind by nine, psychologically, it’s heavy. If we were behind by six, it would be balanced. Being three points behind is different, and the way we won is also important because you can win with luck and by defending a lot. We won calmly and with full merit.”
The manager also discussed Bernardo Silva and second choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Mourinho stressed that he would not name a fixed starting team because competition within the squad remained strong.
““Regarding Bernardo, I’ve said that he’s been here for just over three months. Obviously, I know him very well, but knowing him very well is one thing, and seeing how he integrates into the dynamics of a team is another. The group is very strong. I will never say, ‘This is my base team’ or ‘This player is now an undisputed starter.’ I will never say that because the truth is that the squad is very good, complete, and everyone works hard. Everyone is ready to play. That’s life. You’ve already asked me two questions and none about Lunin, but if we lost due to Lunin’s mistakes, surely the first or second question would be about Lunin. The only thing I told Lunin before the match was: ‘You train to play, not to sit on the bench. Go and play.’ He played a game with great balance and calmness. We have the best goalkeeper in the world, but today none of us cried before the match because Thibaut wasn’t playing. The group is strong, and the players are very united, even in the most difficult moments.”
Lunin started because first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois missed the match through illness. The Ukraine international handled the pressure well and made several important saves, including a crucial stop from Gerard Martin’s header after Barcelona equalised.
Mourinho said the squad had no internal problems and praised the support players showed one another, including those who did not feature regularly. He added that the team’s unity had remained strong despite difficult results earlier in the campaign.
“The group is very strong, internally with zero problems and growing empathy among everyone. Those who are not playing always support those who are. It’s a truly beautiful group. Beautiful groups are those that stay united in tough times. When we lost against Atlético, a day later everyone forgot how we lost. The only thing that mattered was that we lost. People are united, calm, work hard, and prepare. As I say: let’s go for the next one. This is a great victory, but when we return to work, I won’t let people have their heads in the clouds. If we win today and lose at El Sardinero, today’s victory doesn’t hold the same weight, because Real Madrid doesn’t play to win at Camp Nou. Real Madrid plays to win championships. We have to keep going.”
The result kept Barcelona top of the league, with a two point lead over second placed Atletico Madrid after 10 matches. Real Madrid sit third, one point further back, leaving the title race finely balanced.
Mbappe’s double also extended his strong record in El Clasico. The France forward has now scored eight goals in seven appearances against Barcelona in all competitions since joining Real Madrid from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2024.
Despite the importance of the win, Mourinho made it clear that his team must quickly turn its attention to the next match. He wants Real Madrid to build on the performance rather than allow the victory to distract them from their wider goal of winning the championship.
