Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho extended his unbeaten streak in El Clasico to six matches, as a clinical double from Kylian Mbappe secured a 2-1 victory over rivals Barcelona at the Camp Nou. This result halted Barcelona’s nine-game domestic winning streak and reduced their lead at the top of La Liga to just three points. And that’s why we see coaches being sacked from their positions every week.
Mourinho, who celebrated the decisive late goal with his trademark knee slide, has now equaled the records of Miguel Munoz and Vicente del Bosque, both of whom previously managed six consecutive El Clasicos without defeat. Mourinho has become just the third Real boss to go six El Clasicos in a row without defeat – 13 years after he last led Los Blancos in this fixture. Four wins and two draws in his past six matches in charge of Real Madrid against Barcelona puts him up there with Miguel Munoz (1962 to 1965) and Vicente del Bosque (2001 to 2003).
The manager has now recorded four wins and two draws against the Catalan giants across his last six encounters, balancing his overall record to six wins and six losses over two spells at the club.
Reflecting on the tactical display, Mourinho emphasized the broader objective, stating that his side plays to win the league title rather than just targeting individual fixtures. He praised his squad for their composure and professional merit, noting that while luck plays a role in football, the victory was earned through the collective hard work of his players. When you win, the credit goes to the players.
The Portuguese tactician highlighted the importance of a balanced midfield, which he credited for providing the team with defensive stability and attacking quality. He urged his players to remain grounded despite the significant win, reminding them that the focus must shift to future matches to maintain their competitive momentum. With the quality and mindset to play, he said: “I’ve learned that I have an extraordinary group.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick acknowledged that his side lacked physical freshness following an intense period of fixtures. While refusing to lean on excuses, Flick admitted that his players appeared fatigued, noting that small margins often dictate the outcome of high-stakes matches.
Flick emphasized the need for a swift response, stating that his team must recover properly and improve their sharpness to overcome the disappointment of the defeat. Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue their strong form, having now secured five consecutive victories across all competitions.
Had Real Madrid fallen to defeat, Barcelona would have established a commanding nine-point gap at the top of the table. Instead, the outcome has breathed new life into the title race, keeping the pressure on the current league leaders as the season progresses.
Mourinho concluded his post-match comments by highlighting the volatile nature of his profession, observing that the same players responsible for today’s success are often the ones whose efforts dictate whether a manager keeps their job in the current footballing climate.
