Real Madrid will meet Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday in the latest El Clasico, with Mourinho back at the helm for his first clash since re‑joining the club. The Portuguese coach will be without suspended forward Vinicius Junior, making the encounter a true test for his side.
Mourinho’s challenge and squad updates
Barcelona have won nine of nine league matches, scoring 39 goals and posting a 5-2 victory over Real Betis last weekend. Real Madrid’s recent 4-1 win over Sevilla at the Bernabeu featured Kylian Mbappe netting twice, pulling the visitors within a point of second‑placed Atletico Madrid and still seven points behind the Catalans.
"The people who thought a week ago that Barca could thrash us still think the same now,"
— Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho added that his squad is still at the beginning of a process that began three months ago, noting that the team has only had a month and a half of preparation since the international break. He stressed that comparing his side to a group that has played together longer would be unfair.
Barcelona’s unbeaten run and recent setbacks
Barcelona suffered their first defeat of the campaign on Tuesday, losing 4-2 to Champions League holders Paris Saint‑Germain at the Parc des Princes. Despite the loss, manager Hansi Flick praised the quality on display, calling it a "fantastic game from both teams".
"It was a fantastic game from both teams,"
— Hansi Flick, Paris Saint‑Germain manager
Flick said his side made too many mistakes in possession but saw many positive moments that will help them improve. He now turns his attention to the upcoming clash with Mourinho’s Real Madrid, acknowledging the respect he has for the veteran coach.
Both teams enter the match with a clear objective: Barcelona aim to preserve their flawless record, while Real Madrid look to close the gap on the league leaders. The stage is set for a high‑stakes encounter that could reshape the top of La Liga.
