Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday will be remembered as the night when Jose Mourinho’s project truly took flight.
Los Blancos now find themselves just three points behind their rivals in La Liga. Despite the importance of Sunday’s result, Mourinho does not want his players to become complacent.
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According to journalist Ben Fernandes Santos (h/t RM4Arab), Mourinho and his coaching staff began analysing the Clasico during their flight back to Madrid.
Sources present on the aircraft confirmed that the technical team immediately started reviewing the performances, identifying areas for improvement.
Rather than simply celebrate the victory over Barça, Mourinho used the journey home to focus on the upcoming Racing Santander game.
Mourinho said as much after the Clasico, stressing that defeating Barcelona would mean little without backing it up with further results.
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“If we win today and lose at El Sardinero, today’s victory doesn’t hold the same weight, because Real Madrid doesn’t play to win at Camp Nou. Real Madrid plays to win championships,” Mourinho said.
Jose Mourinho had one of his best management games in the El Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Madrid’s performance against Barcelona was encouraging, particularly their defensive organisation and ability to escape pressure through intelligent midfield combinations.
However, Sunday’s victory also demonstrated the importance of maintaining concentration throughout matches.
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Barcelona wrested back the momentum in the second half, and there was a period in the game when they looked more dangerous.
Interestingly, Mourinho previously explained that his coaching staff routinely prepare material for the next fixture immediately after matches, sometimes while travelling.
This working method offers an insight into the demanding standards he is attempting to establish during his second spell at the club.
Jose Mourinho is changing Real Madrid’s mentality. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
For Madrid, the real challenge is translating the intensity shown against Barcelona into consistent performances against less glamorous opponents.
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Mourinho has already demonstrated a willingness to reconsider his tactical choices, particularly his midfield combinations and the use of Federico Valverde at right-back.
The Clasico provided evidence that those adjustments are working, but it is important to sustain that continuity.
Madrid have restored belief in their title ambitions. It remains to be seen how they fare against Racing Santander later this weekend.
