Real Madrid secured an important 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the league’s first El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night.
It was a game Jose Mourinho went into with a point to prove, and he got his starting XI and tactics spot on.
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Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has now praised Jose Mourinho following the victory, highlighting the Portuguese manager’s tactical approach.
In a tweet on X, the former Madrid goalkeeper expressed his satisfaction with his old club’s performance and reserved particular praise for the coach.
“This is La Liga! Very good from Real Madrid. A very good tactical approach from Mourinho,” Casillas wrote.
The endorsement carries additional significance given the complicated relationship between the two during Mourinho’s previous spell in charge of Madrid.
Despite their past differences, Casillas was quick to recognise the manager’s contribution to an important victory over Barcelona.
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Madrid entered the encounter six points behind Hansi Flick’s side, making the trip to the Camp Nou particularly significant in the title race.
The visitors responded with a disciplined performance, securing three points and reducing the gap to just three.
Madrid’s performance was built around competing aggressively in midfield and making their attacking opportunities count.
Jude Bellingham’s remarkable 13 successful duels illustrated the intensity Mourinho’s players brought to the contest.
The visitors also had to overcome the late absence of Thibaut Courtois, with Andriy Lunin stepping in after the Belgian goalkeeper fell ill.
Real Madrid outclassed Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Despite some circumstances working against them, Los Blancos managed to emerge more prepared than their opponents.
Madrid showed the organisation and competitive edge required to overcome a Barcelona side that had enjoyed an impressive start to the season.
The challenge now is to reproduce that intensity consistently, particularly against opponents who present different tactical problems.
They are still three points behind Barça, and having done the difficult job of closing the gap, they should not let it widen again.
Los Blancos have positioned themselves right in the mix for the title once again, and it remains to be seen how they fare in the upcoming games.
