José Mourinho has publicly declared that his return to Real Madrid will bring trophies, setting the tone for the upcoming El Clásico against La Liga leaders Barcelona. In a press conference on Saturday, the former manager dismissed the notion that the match would be a decisive test for the Spanish giants, insisting that “Madrid with Mourinho wins trophies.” The statement comes as Madrid sit six points behind Barça after recent defeats to Real Betis and Atlético Madrid, yet the club has maintained an unbeaten run since the international break, winning against Villarreal, Roma, Sevilla and RB Leipzig.
Mourinho’s previous spell at the Bernabéu from 2010 to 2013 yielded one league title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Supercopa, but the Champions League eluded him. He used the recent loss to Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League and the improved performance against Leipzig to argue that these results would not influence the Clásico. “The football‑loving world comes to a standstill for this match,” he said, adding that any praise directed at Barcelona would not affect his approach. Mourinho emphasized that Madrid are still in the early stages of building a team, comparing the club’s current state to a “finished article” that is yet to be written.
The match will take place at Camp Nou on Sunday, with Barcelona boasting an unblemished nine‑game winning streak in La Liga. Their only setback came in the Champions League, where they fell 4‑2 to PSG. Madrid’s lineup will be missing the suspended Vinícius Júnior, while Barça will rely on the young winger Lamine Yamal. Mourinho acknowledged Yamal’s talent but stressed that respect for a player does not mean altering tactics or abandoning the team’s identity. “We won’t change our plans for him or any other opponent,” he said.
As the two clubs prepare for one of football’s biggest derbies, Mourinho’s confidence in Madrid’s ability to secure silverware remains unshaken. The outcome of the match will not only influence the league standings but also set the tone for the remainder of the season. The Clásico promises to be a high‑stakes encounter, with both sides eager to assert dominance in Spanish football.