Against the odds, José Mourinho took Real Madrid to Camp Nou and came away with a much-deserved win. The title race is on in La Liga.
Sunday’s Clásico wasn’t quite, well, a classic, in the context of this storied fixture’s history.
But it was still an encapsulating affair from start to finish, largely because this was two high-quality teams, both of whom went all out to win the match.
In normal circumstances, José Mourinho, returning to this fixture for the first time in more than 13 years, might have set up not to lose. After Yan Diomande on the left to drive forwards before either shooting or putting a low ball across goal.
Both Madrid goals came from balls into the channel: first for Diomande to chase and square for Lamine Yamal would not track back as hard as another winger might, and a focus on attacking down that flank as a result. Madrid had 45.4% of their attacking touches down the left flank.
The teenage Diomande, who has grown into his role since his big-money summer move, was a constant threat, shining once again in the absence of the suspended Bernardo Silva.
Silva was handed his first start in La Liga since 12 September and was a cool, calming presence in front of the Madrid defence, a big-game player who was in no way overawed by the magnitude of the occasion, completing 91.7% of his passes while also breaking up play well, legally or not.
Perhaps most impressive about either of Cucurella or Silva’s performances was the fact they played a combined 170 minutes and both avoided bookings.
Madrid and Mourinho will know they need to be sensible. They can’t glean too much from this single result. They remain three points off top spot and are even still behind city rivals Atlético in the table, too. There’s loads of work still to be done.
But reports from inside the club’s camp suggest morale is extremely high and has been ever since the extraordinary late Champions League comeback win at Roma earlier this month. That night, Madrid trailed 3-1 after 83 minutes but scored three times in seven minutes to win.
And now, after five straight wins and a Clásico triumph that could turn their season around, there is understandable belief this team can compete on all fronts this term.
Plenty of people considered it a curious decision to go back to Mourinho this summer, but with this fully deserved win at Barcelona, he proved he has still got it. It’s game-on in the title race and we will be watching closely.
Enjoy this? Add Opta Analyst as a preferred source by clicking here.
Enjoy this? Subscribe to our football newsletter to receive exclusive weekly content. You should also follow our social accounts over on X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Clásico Win, Sky-High Team Spirit, and Real Madrid in the Title Race: José Mourinho is Back Opta Analyst.
Hence then, the article about clasico win sky high team spirit and real madrid in the title race jose mourinho is back was published today ( ) and is available on The Analyst ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Clásico Win, Sky-High Team Spirit, and Real Madrid in the Title Race: José Mourinho is Back )
Also on site :