Real Madrid’s 2-1 Clasico win gives Florentino Perez fresh belief in Mourinho project

Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou has strengthened president Florentino Perez’s confidence in Jose Mourinho and several players whose roles had previously been questioned.

The result eased doubts surrounding Mourinho’s project and revived Real Madrid’s challenge for the La Liga title. Perez was not present in Barcelona because of tensions between the two clubs, with a representative attending the match instead, but he made sure to congratulate the players and coaching staff afterwards.

The president praised the team’s performance and highlighted the contribution of a number of individuals, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central.

Mourinho emerged as one of the main beneficiaries of the Clasico win. The Portuguese manager had faced criticism and questions over whether he could improve Real Madrid’s performances, particularly after the derby defeat.

Some had argued that the change in management had failed to resolve the team’s technical problems. Suggestions that Mourinho could be replaced had even included Didier Deschamps among the possible alternatives.

However, victory at Barcelona provided Mourinho with a significant boost. Real Madrid demonstrated that they could compete effectively in major matches, while the result offered an important test of Perez’s decision to continue backing the former manager.

The performance also strengthened confidence within the club in Mourinho’s ability to lead the squad.

Players underline their importance

Perez’s encouragement was not limited to the coach. The display also offered renewed justification for several signings and decisions that had attracted questions in earlier periods.

Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham both played important roles in the victory and underlined their status as central figures in Real Madrid’s plans.

Turkish midfielder Arda Guler also impressed. The club sees him as a potential first-choice creative player in the coming years, and his display against Barcelona supported that belief.

Eduardo Camavinga, who has continued to receive the board’s backing despite criticism at previous stages, also produced a notable performance. His contribution, alongside Guler’s, reinforced Perez’s view that both players can make an important impact for the team.

The Clasico showed that Real Madrid possess several players capable of influencing high-profile matches, whether through scoring, creating chances or controlling the tempo.

Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture is against Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026. Racing Santander face Real Madrid in La Liga on 01 November 2026.

Perez wants trophies

Despite the optimism generated by the result, Perez knows that beating Barcelona does not secure a trophy. The long-term success of the project will depend on whether Real Madrid can maintain their level throughout the season.

The president hopes Mourinho and his players can use the momentum from the Clasico to remain in contention for honours. For Perez, the final standings and trophies at the end of the campaign will provide the true measure of his decisions, rather than the victory over Barcelona alone.