Mourinho’s Real Madrid pass Barcelona test to reignite LaLiga title challenge

Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 on Sunday night to claim only their second victory in the past eight Clasicos, giving Jose Mourinho early evidence that his side can challenge the reigning champions’ recent dominance in LaLiga.

The result marked a striking contrast with Mourinho’s first Clasico during his initial spell at Real Madrid, when Barcelona overwhelmed his team 5-0 at Camp Nou. This time, Mourinho’s side showed the organisation and composure to withstand Barcelona’s pressure and leave the stadium three points behind their rivals.

Barcelona had more possession, completed more passes and registered more shots on target. However, those figures did not fully capture the balance of the match, with Real Madrid repeatedly finding effective solutions to the problems posed by their opponents.

“The lads played an extraordinary match,” Mourinho said at his post-match news conference.

“Very organised, focused, and showing the courage to play the ball out from the back against an opponent that applied a lot of pressure.”

Real Madrid regularly moved the ball quickly and accurately in their own half to escape Barcelona’s press. Their ability to make the right decisions under pressure was central to the victory.

Mourinho also highlighted Fede Valverde’s contribution, with the Uruguay international playing despite an injury. From the right-back position, Valverde showed particular awareness in recognising where space would open up when possession changed hands.

The role remains an unfavoured one for the midfielder. In September 2025, Valverde said he was “not born to play as a fullback”, although he later denied suggesting he was unwilling to operate in defence.

Several Spanish outlets interpreted the comments as an indication that Valverde was unhappy with the position and possibly not fully convinced by the approach of then-manager Xabi Alonso.

Valverde has now started at right-back for three consecutive matches and produced another authoritative display while wearing the captain’s armband. His performance underlined Mourinho’s ability to adapt his tactics to his players’ strengths, while also suggesting the manager is gaining the confidence of the Real Madrid dressing room.

Mourinho said being only three points behind Barcelona after leaving Camp Nou “gives us peace of mind, and it’s well deserved.”

The win should strengthen morale and unity within the squad, but it also gives Mourinho something more substantial: proof that his methods can help Real Madrid challenge for the top of Spanish football.

“If we win today but lose at El Sardinero, it counts for nothing, because Madrid isn’t playing to win at the Camp Nou,” Mourinho said.

“They’re playing to win the championship.”

After two defeats in September raised early questions about Mourinho’s plans, that ambition now appears considerably more attainable.