Mourinho named La Liga manager of the month after perfect October

Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho has been named La Liga’s manager of the month for October after leading Real Madrid to a 100% record in the competition.

The award was confirmed by La Liga, with Mourinho selected ahead of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and Real Sociedad boss Pellegrino Matarazzo. It is the first time Mourinho has received the honour during the current season.

Mourinho’s claim was strengthened by Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clasico, where they defeated the side managed by German coach Hansi Flick. The result was the headline achievement in an unbeaten month in which Real Madrid won all three of their league matches.

The most significant of those victories came on 25 October, when Real Madrid beat Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou in the 10th round of La Liga. Kylian Mbappe scored both goals for the visitors, finding the net in the 41st and 87th minutes, while Raphinha scored Barcelona’s only goal in the 61st minute.

The win secured three points for Real Madrid but also ended Barcelona’s perfect start to the campaign. Barcelona had won their first nine league matches before suffering their opening defeat against their traditional rivals.

Simeone also oversaw an unblemished October with Atletico Madrid, winning three consecutive matches. His side defeated Alaves 2-1, overcame Espanyol 1-0 and then beat Deportivo La Coruna by the same scoreline.

Matarazzo was also shortlisted after guiding Real Sociedad to three victories during the month. They beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-2, Malaga 5-2 and Levante 2-1.

All three candidates therefore finished October with perfect league records, but Mourinho prevailed in the final vote. Real Madrid’s results, particularly the El Clasico victory, proved decisive in the award process.

Real Madrid began the month with a 1-0 win over Villarreal before recording a 4-1 victory against Sevilla. They completed their league programme for October by winning at Barcelona’s home ground.

The three victories strengthened Real Madrid’s position in the Spanish title race. The result against Barcelona was especially important because it reduced the gap between the two clubs to three points and intensified the battle for top spot in La Liga.