Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho celebrated a significant win at the Camp Nou on Sunday, with a late goal from Kylian Mbappe securing a 2-1 triumph over Barcelona. The result marks five consecutive victories for Madrid across all competitions and keeps their momentum building. But we won with calmness and with all merit,” he said. “It’s a very strong group, we could win with luck. The blame falls on you, but when you lose. And that’s why we see coaches being sacked from their positions every week. I can see that today we were not fresh and this is what we have to change.
With this win, Mourinho becomes only the third Real Madrid manager to remain unbeaten in six consecutive El Clasico matches, matching the records of Miguel Munoz (1962-1965) and Vicente del Bosque (2001-2003). This achievement arrives 13 years after he last managed Los Blancos in this historic fixture. Mourinho has become just the third Real boss to go six El Clasicos in a row without defeat – 13 years after he last led Los Blancos in this fixture. With the return of Mourinho to the fixture haunting the reigning champions, it was also just a second victory in eight games against Barcelona for Real.
The victory was vital for Madrid’s title aspirations, as it effectively halted Barcelona’s nine-game domestic unbeaten streak. Had they lost, Real Madrid would have faced a daunting nine-point deficit; instead, they have pulled to within three points of the league leaders.
Mourinho emphasized the broader importance of the result, stating that his team played specifically to challenge for the La Liga title rather than merely focusing on the occasion at the Camp Nou. He credited the squad for their calmness and meritorious performance during the high-stakes match.
Reflecting on the management challenges inherent in the game, Mourinho noted that while players often receive credit for victories, managers frequently bear the blame during losses. He praised his squad as an extraordinary group, highlighting their tactical balance and the benefit of mixing diverse midfield talents. With the quality and mindset to play, he said: “I’ve learned that I have an extraordinary group. In midfield, having a mix of talents gives us more than just having two players with similar characteristics.
Despite the success, Mourinho urged his players to remain grounded. He emphasized that while they have secured wins against various opponents this season, facing a side like Barcelona requires sustained focus and collective effort.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick acknowledged his team’s struggles, specifically pointing to a lack of energy following a demanding schedule. He admitted that the hosts missed a certain freshness, which hindered their ability to compete effectively in the tight moments that defined the game.
Flick refused to offer excuses, noting that small details often decide such significant encounters and that they did not fall in his team’s favor on this occasion. He emphasized the need for his side to recover and adapt quickly.
The Portuguese manager, who returned to the club this summer, now holds a record of six wins and six losses in El Clasico fixtures. He remains focused on maintaining consistency as the league season progresses.
