In brief
Jose Mourinho celebrated Kylian Mbappé’s late double in a 2‑1 win at Barcelona, extending his run of six consecutive El Clasicos without loss. The finish halted Barcelona’s nine‑game unbeaten run and narrowed the gap at the top of La Liga. Mourinho credited the players and praised midfield balance, while Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted fatigue had been a factor.
Jose Mourinho has done it again.
The Real Madrid manager celebrated Kylian Mbappé's late winner at Barcelona on Sunday with a trademark knee slide, keeping his Midas touch over one of the biggest rivals in Spanish football.
Mourinho has now added a sixth straight El Clasico without defeat, the third Real manager to do so since the 1960s.
This run includes four wins and two draws, putting him alongside Miguel Munoz and Vicente del Bosque in the club’s history.
Mbappé’s double in a 2-1 win halted Barcelona’s nine-game unbeaten domestic run and underlined Real Madrid’s ability to win critical matches away from home.
A loss would have given Barcelona a nine‑point cushion; the result tightens the top of La Liga, drawing Real Madrid to within three points.
“In my view, Real Madrid do not play to win at the Camp Nou; Real Madrid play to win La Liga,” Mourinho said. “We could win with luck, but we won with calmness and with all merit. The credit goes to the players, and the blame falls on the coach.”
He added that his two periods at the club have seen six wins and six losses in El Clasico across both stints.
Mourinho also praised the team’s midfield balance, stating: “I have learned that I have an extraordinary group, with quality and mindset to play. In midfield, having a mix of talents gives us more than two same‑characteristic players. This mix gives a balance in defence and quality in attack. We need to maintain this level and not over‑celebrate this win.”
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick refused to make excuses, noting fatigue after a demanding few weeks. “We missed freshness,” he said. “It is not easy for our players. We have to recover well, train well and respond to this defeat. In big games, small things matter and they decided the game, and today it was not on our side.”
