Mourinho set for popcorn as Atletico Madrid and Barcelona meet after Real Madrid surge

Jose Mourinho can watch Atletico Madrid play Barcelona with renewed confidence after Real Madrid strengthened their position with a 3-0 victory over Valencia.

The result at Mestalla means any outcome in the meeting between Real Madrid’s two domestic rivals at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on 08 November 2026 will benefit his side. Mourinho had joked before the fixture that he hoped “both teams lose together”.

Instead, after overcoming a Valencia challenge that proved less daunting than expected, he can now watch the eagerly anticipated La Liga match from home with a bucket of popcorn, knowing Real Madrid have placed themselves in an ideal position before the international break.

More significantly, the situation reflects the kind of momentum Mourinho frequently describes as the “sequence of matches”. Real Madrid have now won eight games in a row and head into the international break close to the top of the UEFA Champions League standings, having won all four of their matches in the competition. They are also challenging for first place in La Liga.

The club’s progress marks a significant change from the uncertainty that affected the team at the start of the season, including a heavy defeat in the derby. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the manager has found the right balance within the squad, and the players feel the improvement as well.

Real Madrid have also won four consecutive away matches, an area that had been a concern for Mourinho. However, the most noticeable change has been the way the players’ individual personalities and responsibilities now fit together on the pitch.

Fede Valverde has finally accepted that right-back is his natural position, while Arda Guler, Bernardo and Diomande are contributing more to the team’s defensive work. That has allowed Jude Bellingham to escape the substantial physical burden he had often carried alone, helping Real Madrid display their collective spirit more clearly.

Mourinho praises players for their progress

Asked whether the current Real Madrid side might be more solid than previous versions, Mourinho rejected the suggestion that he deserved the credit.

“The credit belongs to them, and I cannot identify anything in my work that was a decisive factor in getting them to this level,” he said after the match at Mestalla. “They respond in an incredible way as one team.”

Mourinho added: “There has been a great deal of development, and this team gives me a good feeling.”

The coaching staff continue to stress that Real Madrid have not yet reached perfection. Their aim is to preserve the calm and confidence now running through the squad during a period of consistent victories and positive results.

“I always tell them that winning with Real Madrid is not something that calls for celebration; it is the normal situation,” Mourinho said.

Real Madrid are now winning with greater ease and efficiency, appearing to have pressed the accelerator as the club’s fortunes return to normal.